LEAVE THE STREETS BEHIND

This one question can open a new chapter in a person’s life and show that the Legion, as partners in our communities, care about those who served our Country—our Veterans. 

Do you or are you aware of a family member or friend that may need assistance?  

The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to helping Veterans and their  families in need find homes. There are national and provincial programs  that offer financial assistance and support for homeless Veterans and those at-risk of homelessness.  

Trained Legion Command Service Officers can assist with the following:

Connecting Veterans with organizations: Legion  Provincial Commands work closely with Veterans Affairs Canada, shelters  and community organizations to get Veterans off the street and into  temporary and/or long term accommodations.

Financial assistance: Through  the Poppy Fund, housing support is provided through financial  assistance for items such as first and last month’s rent, rental arrears  and furnishings. In addition, Legion Branches and Commands  across the country support numerous initiatives to help homeless and  near homeless Veterans in their communities. From outreach programs, to  working with local organizations and first responders to identify and  refer Veterans to the Legion, to supporting housing and food banks,  Legion members are the 'boots on the ground', helping homeless and near  homeless Veterans get the support they need.

Operation: Leave the Streets Behind is a program developed by The Royal Canadian Legion to identify and assist homeless Veterans and those at-risk of homelessness. Financial assistance can be provided for items such as first and last month’s rent, rental arrears, medical needs such as dental, eyeglasses, transportation to medical services, furnishings, food and clothing. Eligibility includes any Veteran or family member in need of assistance and living in Canada as well as Veterans of Commonwealth

and allied countries living in Canada. (A Veteran is any person who is serving or who has served in the Canadian Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police). We care for all veterans of all ages and their families.

The Legion Veterans Services Network serves Veterans, members of the CF, RCMP, and their families by representing their interests with Veterans Affairs Canada and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board for disability benefits under the Pension Act or the Veterans Well-being Act.

The Legion’s professional Command Service Officers are mandated by legislation to provide

representation, advocacy and financial assistance FREE OF CHARGE, Legion member or not.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

 For information about this and/or other services available to Veterans  please contact RC Legion Branch 160 

Service Officer Buck Buchanan 613 399 1684  or email        legion160@bellnet.ca                   or 

www.legion.ca/support-for-veterans/veterans-homeless  

Info and photos courtesy of  The Royal Canadian  Legion at   Legion.ca