our history
Several years ago, Toronto resident John Carswell – President of Canso Investment Counsel – made a lead gift to MHI on behalf of the Carswell family to help build a community for homeless veterans. The building has been named Veterans’ House: the Andy Carswell Building in honour of John’s late father, Squadron Leader (Ret’d) Andrew (Andy) Carswell, AFC, CD. Andy was a Second World War veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was stationed at CFB Rockcliffe after the war.
the andy carswell building
Veterans' House: the Andy Carswell Building is Multifaith Housing Initiative's fifth housing community and first house built exclusively for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This pioneering project specifically targets the needs of homeless veterans who are "living rough" in Ottawa, and combines safe housing with essential on-site rehabilitation services.
The federal government committed $6.5 million along with the City of Ottawa’s $730,000 worth of contributions in development charges relief, property tax waivers, and other fees and permits. An addition, $1.5 million in funding was delivered through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, a federal-provincial program. The remaining funds were raised through local faith groups, businesses, and individuals who believed in housing Ottawa’s vulnerable veteran population. The total cost of building Veterans’ House was $11.5 million. The Andy Carswell Building is comprised of gathering spaces including a communal kitchen, outdoor barbecue facilities, an indoor gym, and a space to train service dogs.
The federal government committed $6.5 million along with the City of Ottawa’s $730,000 worth of contributions in development charges relief, property tax waivers, and other fees and permits. An addition, $1.5 million in funding was delivered through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, a federal-provincial program. The remaining funds were raised through local faith groups, businesses, and individuals who believed in housing Ottawa’s vulnerable veteran population. The total cost of building Veterans’ House was $11.5 million. The Andy Carswell Building is comprised of gathering spaces including a communal kitchen, outdoor barbecue facilities, an indoor gym, and a space to train service dogs.
a vision come to life
After six years of planning and two years of construction Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building welcomed its first residents in February 2021. Located on Mikinak Road, on the former site of CFB Rockcliffe, The Andy Carswell Building is a 40 unit-style community where homeless or at-risk veterans have immediate access to support services from a variety of partner agencies. This supportive “Housing First” model gives veterans a safe place to live, as well as the opportunity to recover from health, mental health and addiction-related issues, if applicable. Not only does the supported housing model improve the overall quality of life but it does so in recognition of crucial and unbreakable experience of military bonds that exist for all in the military community from veterans to their families. These services are administered by Ottawa Salus with caseworker support from Veterans Affairs Canada.
why veterans?
Veterans have served and sacrificed in countless ways, yet circumstances beyond their control have left many of them without stable and affordable housing. Veterans often end up homeless for a range of reasons, which include a lack of affordable housing, poverty, health problems, job loss or instability, and family and marital breakdowns. Veterans are also likely to experience problems with alcohol and drugs as they deal with the loss of identity and camaraderie from their military life.
Having a permanent home has allowed veterans to recognize their symptoms and learn how to address their illness without judgement and begin their journey of recovery. Prior to moving into this new community, veterans have often had to present a mask of wellness in front of families and friends.
Having a permanent home has allowed veterans to recognize their symptoms and learn how to address their illness without judgement and begin their journey of recovery. Prior to moving into this new community, veterans have often had to present a mask of wellness in front of families and friends.
veterans affairs canada
Veterans’ House Canada has an ongoing partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada to help reduce chronic homelessness and work towards an optimal solution. No other charity has addressed the issue of homelessness amongst veterans like Veterans’ House Canada, which offers affordable, supportive and permanent housing.
To learn more please visit www.veteranshousecanada.ca
To learn more please visit www.veteranshousecanada.ca
©2015 Multifaith Housing Initiative.
