Overview
The Veterans Service Centre in Edmonton is a place for veterans to get help accessing:
- financial programs and supports
- employment and training services
- housing location and supports
- crisis supports
- community services and opportunities
The Veterans Service Centre is now open at 12325 97 Street NW, Edmonton.
Eligibility
Supports and services are available to any veteran who is:
- homeless
- at-risk of homelessness
- struggling in the civilian community
Veterans Affairs Canada provides the definition of a veteran
Services and supports
Through this project, the Government of Alberta brings together existing service providers in one convenient location to make it easier for veterans get the support they need, when and where they need it.
Staff and peer-volunteers from Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada are onsite at the service centre to help veterans access a wide range of supports. VETS is a non-profit organization and is an approved Veterans Affairs Service Provider.
Financial programs and supports
Veterans can get help identifying potential sources of income and can access financial literacy resources.
Employment and training services
Staff (who are also veterans) from Forces@WORK, a Prospect Human Services Agency project, are on site at the service centre to help connect veterans with employment services potential employers and training providers. Veterans can also get support to find and access education resources.
Housing location and supports
Veterans experiencing homelessness, who are at risk of homelessness, or who are hidden homeless (for example, couch surfing) can access transitional housing.
Crisis supports
The service centre responds to veterans experiencing crises, from physical and mental health to matters such as substance abuse.
Community services and opportunities
The centre helps veterans connect with their local community through community groups, peer support and other opportunities.
How to access services
Veterans can access a wide variety of services and supports through one convenient location – the Veterans Service Centre. When veterans walk into the service centre, they will get immediate help navigating the available services. No appointment is necessary.
Step 1. Visit the service centre
When veterans arrive at the service centre, a VETS Canada system navigator will assess their long term and short term needs and begin the intake process.
Step 2. Get immediate support
If a veteran has immediate needs, such as food or shelter, the system navigator will make sure those are met right away.
Step 3. Verify military service
The system navigator will verify the veteran’s military service.
Step 4. Connect with a veteran volunteer
Veterans are introduced to a volunteer who has also served in the military. The volunteer provides ongoing peer support and other assistance as needed.
Step 5. Connect with centre partners
A variety of veteran-serving organizations operate out of the service centre and many more will have access to temporary offices in the space. The system navigator will connect veterans with organizations that can help meet their needs.
When possible, all services and supports are provided at the Veterans Service Centre to minimize the need for veterans to travel from referral to referral.
Step 6. Follow up
Veterans receive ongoing support from the system navigators and peer volunteers.
Veterans outside of Edmonton can access support by contacting VETS Canada directly.
Resource
Veterans Service Centre and Housing Supports: Access to Integrated Services and Supports in Edmonton
Contact
Visit the Veterans Service Centre at:
Hours: 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm (Monday to Friday)
Email: [email protected]
Address:
12325 97 Street,
Edmonton, Alberta
Connect with VETS Canada:
Phone: 1-888-228-3871
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Forces@WORK, a Prospect Human Services Agency project:
Phone: 780-705-9677
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services:
Email: [email protected]
Connect with the Government of Alberta's Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces:
Email: [email protected]
For more information on Government of Alberta programs and services, contact Alberta Supports Contact Centre:
1-877-644-9992 (toll-free province wide)
1-800-232-7215 (TTY province wide, ask to speak to Alberta Supports)
780-427-9999 (TTY Edmonton, ask to speak to Alberta Supports)