As reported on CBC News, the federal government will announce financial support for Canada’s first home designed specifically for homeless veterans Tuesday, a month before construction is scheduled to start.

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The Multifaith Housing Initiative is starting construction in August to build the 40-unit home for military veterans struggling with homelessness at the former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe, east of downtown Ottawa.

“This building has been very specifically designed for the needs of [veterans] … the first of its kind in Canada,” said Suzanne Le, the charity’s executive director.

“The issue goes way beyond Ottawa … We want to see houses [like this] go up across the country.”

There are similar projects across Canada, including transitional housing for veterans in Edmonton and a repurposed home for veterans in Calgary, but Le said this is the first purpose-built, permanent home for veterans.

The building is designed with a strong focus on communal areas, as well as calm outdoor spaces to help deal with mental health issues such as night terrors, Le said.

Some of the suggestions brought up during a lengthy planning process involving partner organizations and experts included a fitness room, a mediative garden and a dog yard for those with service dogs.

They will all be included in the new home.

Keep reading on CBC News