Federal government investing $2.2 million to prevent and reduce Veteran homelessness in Hastings County

The federal government is partnering with Hastings County and investing more than $2.2 million to reduce veteran homelessness.

The $2,286,036 being invested through the Services and Supports stream of the Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP) will help veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness, and their families find safe and stable housing and remain housed while receiving personalized supports to meet their needs.

Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette says with the area having such a large number of current and retired military personnel, this funding is vitally important.

“So far in 2025 for instance, the local MFRC and, working hand in glove with our office, has helped 24 veterans either by preventing homelessness or helping them out of homelessness.”

The funding is helping veterans with things like rent and utilities payments as well as furnishing their homes and providing access to resources for health, employment, and other needs, helping them maintain a safe, stable place to call home.

Trenton Military Family Resource Centre Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt says they are privileged to be a part of the program. “ The Trenton MFRC is honoured to partner with Hastings County and the Government of Canada to play a role in impacting the veteran community in such a profound way. The Veteran Homelessness Program integrates seamlessly with the values of the Trenton MFRC and the services and supports we offer to veterans and their families in our community.”

Malette says he will be meeting with Kleinschmidt and her staff to discuss how to secure more funding for veterans.

“It’s not just for homelessness. We’ve got a very big commitment to our veterans and our military personnel and, you know, the timing couldn’t be better during Remembrance Week when we honour the people that came before us and served this country.”

Malette commended the work of Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis who he says really got the ball rolling when, as Bay of Quinte MP in 2019, he tabled a private member’s bill addressing veteran homelessness in Canada.

According to Census 2021, there are an estimated 461,240 Canadian veterans.

As of October 2025, the Government of Canada estimates that there are approximately 1,800 veterans experiencing homelessness across Canada.