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Lawrence MacAulay, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, visited the units Friday during a stop in the city. He said the project represents generosity and innovation from community members in finding a way to provide affordable and secure housing to homeless veterans.

“Canadian society itself wants to make sure that veterans who served our country are treated in a proper manner, and we’re doing that here,” MacAulay said, estimating there are about 3,000 Canadian veterans currently experiencing homelessness.

Jim Wells/Postmedia

Homes for Heroes president and co-founder David Howard said the idea behind the housing is to empower veterans, some of whom are struggling with addiction or mental illness, to take control of their own future.

“Our veterans said to us, ‘I want to come into a program, not just a house. I want to be part of a community. I want to get help, get back on my feet, and then I want to get out,'” Howard said. “We’re dealing with a proud group that just needs a hand”

Each of the veterans living in the units has a different story, but Beland says there’s a kinship among residents due to their shared experiences. And community members were also happy to share kind words with the new occupants.

“I received so much support here. Neighbours were telling us how happy they were that we were here, thanking us for serving,” Beland said. “I feel appreciated here.”

Howard says Homes for Heroes is planning similar developments in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ontario, Victoria and Vancouver. He also hopes to help open a second transitional housing village in Calgary.

Shortly after his tiny-home tour, MacAulay announced, at Mount Royal University, expanded funding for a jobs program for veterans.

The federal government is providing $390,000 over three years to Operation Entrepreneur, a program meant to help veterans transition from serving to self-employment.

The funding is designed to help provide veterans with the resources and skills necessary to successfully start or grow their own business.

jherring@postmedia.com

Twitter: @jasonfherring