Homes for Heroes

Building Community: A Path to Healing and Recovery

By Dennis Faulkner

Link to Article. 

https://edmontonjournal.com/life/homes/strong-sense-of-community-is-what-helps-make-everyone-feel-at-home

Could we find a way to provide transformative assistance and housing to more of our most vulnerable populations? Safe and stable housing is not just a necessity—it is a fundamental right that contributes to overall well-being and recovery.

Recent efforts in Edmonton are showing great promise. The Homes for Heroes Foundation has launched a tiny home community designed to provide transitional housing for up to 20 homeless veterans at a time. This initiative goes beyond simply offering shelter; it integrates essential services such as counselling and support programs, fostering a holistic approach to recovery.

One of the most commendable aspects of this foundation is its emphasis on community. This "village" concept includes a central resource center, counseling offices, and a community garden, creating an environment where veterans can find not only stability but also connection and purpose. A sense of belonging is vital—without it, life can lose meaning. By addressing post-traumatic stress disorder with a community-based support system, these veterans stand a much better chance of reintegrating successfully into society.

The Homes for Heroes Foundation has received backing from all three levels of government, as well as corporate and private donors. Yet, the need remains significant—estimates suggest there are over 500 homeless veterans in Edmonton, and the true number may be even higher. In my own work with a homeless veteran, I have seen firsthand how some individuals remain uncounted, slipping through the cracks of official statistics.

Encouragingly, new treatments for PTSD are emerging, offering fresh hope. The Newly Clinic in Calgary, founded by a former police officer, is pioneering innovative approaches to trauma treatment. These methods are based on an evolving understanding of mental health, addiction, and trauma recovery. Many experts now define trauma not by the event itself but by its lingering effects on the mind and body. Addressing trauma at its root, rather than merely treating symptoms, could lead to more effective long-term solutions.

A safe home is a cornerstone for personal transformation. Without stable housing and positive social connections, breaking free from homelessness can be an insurmountable challenge. Veterans represent just one segment of the homeless population, but trauma affects individuals across all demographics, regardless of ethnicity, income level, or background. Some vulnerable groups also face additional barriers, such as discrimination and social exclusion.

In both Canada and the United States, ongoing discussions challenge us to confront biases and systemic issues that contribute to marginalization. Through self-reflection, we can recognize how societal conditioning shapes our perspectives. Addressing these biases can be an important step toward fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.

From an economic standpoint, investing in housing and support services for vulnerable populations makes financial sense. The cost savings in healthcare, social services, law enforcement, and legal proceedings could far outweigh the expense of providing housing and rehabilitation services. Proactive intervention could significantly reduce homelessness while also alleviating society's broader financial burden.

There is a path forward—a future where homelessness is not an inevitable reality but a challenge we can collectively overcome. By ensuring people have access to safe housing, meeting their basic needs, and fostering meaningful connections, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and give back to their communities.

Dennis Faulkner is an active realtor with Maxwell Challenge Realty. He can be contacted for real estate inquiries at faulknergroup@shaw.ca.

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