The Calgary-based non-profit organization Homes for Heroes Foundation supports military veterans in crisis or experiencing homelessness. In 2019, the organization opened a 15-unit veterans village in Calgary. The new project will consist of 20 tiny homes in Edmonton’s Evansdale community. Planning is underway, and the homes should be ready for occupancy by the end of 2020. The project will create about 32 jobs.
Alberta’s government will contribute $1.1 million funding toward the project. The City of Edmonton will contribute $1.1 million in land though a 20-year nominal lease. Other funding, from corporate and private donations, will include $2.3 million of the total $4.5 million budget.
“Alberta’s government is proud to support at-risk veterans in the Edmonton area by providing funding for this Homes for Heroes transitional housing project. It’s a great example of what can be accomplished when different orders of government and the non-profit and corporate sectors work together.”
“The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult for veterans. A safe and stable home will provide them with a fresh start and help them get back on their feet.”
“I'm happy the City of Edmonton is able to take a leadership role through this innovative project to help end homelessness among our veterans. This is a great example of all three levels of government working together to give those who are struggling the stability and dignity they need to get back on their feet.”
“With today’s announcement, Alberta becomes the first province in Canada to commit funding to a Homes for Heroes veterans village. We hope other provinces and territories will take note and follow Alberta’s lead. We thank Albertans for the admiration, respect and support they continually show Canada’s military veterans. We can’t wait to break ground on our Edmonton project!”
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.
Quick facts:
- This project is part of the more than $10 billion infrastructure spending announced as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
- This spending includes:
- $6.9 billion Budget 2020 capital spending
- $980 million accelerated for Capital Maintenance and Renewal
- $200 million for Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and water infrastructure projects
- $600 million in strategic infrastructure projects, $500 million in municipal infrastructure
- $1.5 billion for Keystone XL
