Operation Road Home (ORH) is a new initiative of OIM. It is a federally funded program that addresses Ottawa's Veterans' Homelessness issue. Our program aims to overcome systemic barriers to obtaining housing through various supports. These supports include financial assistance for a one-time payment for the first and last month’s rent, one-time payment of rent arrears and utilities, as well as the provision of food and other forms of dietary assistance in the form of gift cards to buy groceries, snacks, as well as public transit cards to increase mobility to augment the Veteran’s chances of visiting likely housing units which may be suitable to rent.
ORH provides referrals to community partner agencies for Veterans to receive wraparound support in the form of substance use and Mental Health treatment and counselling, Life Skills training, financial planning and relationship guidance. Community partnership also provides Veterans with starter kits for household kitchen wares, such as cookware, cutlery, dishes, cooking implements, and small appliances such as a kettle, toaster, and hot plate. Through ORH, OIM also has partnerships with community members to provide furniture to Veterans to furnish apartments once they secure adequate housing.
My work with ORH is very fulfilling. The Veterans whom I have helped so far have expressed a considerable amount of gratitude for my services in securing help, such as paying off rent arrears and coordinating service delivery regarding post-operative care in matters related to assistance with ongoing living expenses, in light of the current cost-of-living increase.
I look forward to the coming Christmas season with the joy of knowing that OIM will continue to be there for our Veterans, who have stood on guard for our country with honour and distinction. I pray only that we may do the same for them in return, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
~ Peter Stuart, Veterans Housing Coordinator
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