Harper Government and Wounded Warriors Canada Continue to Work Together in Support of the Vancouver Homeless Veterans Project

VANCOUVER, March 11, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, the Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator for British Columbia, joined Wayne Johnston, founder of Wounded Warriors Canada, to announce their continued support for homeless Veterans. Wounded Warriors Canada is supporting the Vancouver Homeless Veterans Program by providing an emergency fund of $17,000 to provide immediate help to homeless Veterans.

"Our Government continuously looks for ways to complement our existing programs and expand our reach to help homeless Veterans get the services and benefits they need and deserve," said Minister Steven Blaney. "I am pleased that Wounded Warriors Canada has chosen to continue its valuable support in order to address the most pressing needs of homeless Veterans."

"By working with community organizations like Wounded Warriors Canada, our Government is aiming to make a positive difference in the lives of those who have served our country," said Senator Yonah Martin. "We are very appreciative of the continued support of Wounded Warriors Canada."

The funds from Wounded Warriors Canada will be used to provide vouchers for the emergency provision of food, clothing, shelter and transportation. Wounded Warriors Canada has supported the Vancouver Homeless Veterans Program outreach project since its inception in 2009.

"This is an absolutely critical program that provides direct assistance to some of our most vulnerable Veterans," said Wayne Johnston, founder of Wounded Warriors Canada. "We are committed to this funding so long as the need exists."

Through the Vancouver Homeless Veterans Program and other outreach activities throughout Canada, such as the recently announced Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans pilot project in partnership with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada is increasing accessibility to services for homeless and at-risk Veterans.

For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca. 

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

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Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649