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“It’s about getting these guys off the street, and getting them the help they need,” said volunteer James McDiarmid, a former member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry who is part of the Northern Knights chapter of Nam Knights, a motorcycle club populated by many veterans, several of whom were on the Tour of Duty walk.

Volunteers gave out VETS cards to folks who asked, hoping that the cards will find their way to veterans in need. Once a veteran is identified, he or she will be connected with Veterans Affairs to see what benefits they are entitled to.

In the meantime, VETS will get them off the street, or out of a shelter, and pay for a hotel or other temporary housing option. The group will help the veterans access permanent housing, and has the ability to pay first and last month’s rent, supply furniture and groceries, and offer followup help to make sure things stay on track.

In a phone interview, VETS Canada director of operations Julie Bibby said the organization served 173 veterans in Alberta in 2017. Nearly half of them were in Edmonton. Last month the group worked with 11 veterans in the Edmonton area, nine men and two women.

Forty per cent of requests for help In Alberta come from veterans between the age of 30 and 49, some of whom served in Afghanistan.

Sometimes homeless shelters will refer clients directly to VETS Canada but often a vet feels more comfortable talking with another vet.

“Typically, military are hard to help because they are proud,” said McDiarmid. “But it helps that we’re vets and we talk the lingo.”