Dozens of Calgary veterans saved from homelessness – some at the last minute with help

Many veterans on the verge of homelessness typically don’t reach out for help until the 11th hour, according to the Calgary Veterans Association.

Marie Blackburn, executive director of the Calgary Veterans Association, says they have prevented 148 vets from losing their homes in the past year, but she understands the struggle with reaching out.

“A lot of them, because of their pride, they will tell us the day they are having to move out, so they lose all their furniture, their clothing, whatever the case may be,” she told 660 NewsRadio.

The association recently received a cheque for just over $200,000 from the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation, which Blackburn says is enough to help 50 families stay in their homes despite soaring rent hikes.

Funds will support the Pet Promise Program and install an elevator to make the building more accessible to veterans and visitors.

Blackburn says the donation comes as many of those they serve struggle like never before with day-to-day expenses.

She says the association’s intervention stopped 38 veterans and their families from ending up homeless in the past few months.

“In this past year, we’ve had many veterans that we have paid rent for just to ensure that they’ll stay in their homes, but we’ve had many as well, probably say about 30-40, that would have literally become homeless had we not been able to intervene,” she said.

“Normally what we do is we put them in a hotel until we can find them affordable housing or any kind of accommodation, and that usually takes anywhere from two to three months to rehome them.”

The association also hands out 80 to 90 hampers a month from its foodbank, assists up to 70 veterans with bills, and helps others through its Pet Promise Program.

“I think what I can honestly say is our association has a global approach to how we support our veterans, so it’s not just about food, it’s not just about being able to pay your rent, it’s about everything that’s going on in your life, and just trying to find a way to get them to the best place possible.”

Blackburn says this year has been a challenge with “paying people’s rent and keeping food on the shelves,” and says Calgarians can lend a hand to show their support to veterans.

“Right now is the big time where we have to raise our money for the next year and fill our shelves, so I think just asking our Calgarians to pitch in and help your veterans would be a very nice thing for sure,” she said.

Find the association online to see how you can support everything from the veterans’ foodbank to helping with rent, utilities or other needs.