Last week CMHC held a virtual event and walkthrough of the newest Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) project. Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building opened for occupancy in early February 2021, after 8 long years since its initial conception, which included funding hurdles, and construction through these unprecedented times. With the success of this project we thought it would be a good moment to pause and highlight the design concept and Cahdco’s role (among the other project team members and stakeholders) in bringing this project to fruition.

Veterans’ House is a three-storey, 40-unit supportive housing development for homeless Veterans, on the former CFB Rockcliffe Airbase here in Ottawa. In response to the growing recognition of homelessness among Veterans of the Canadian Forces, this project includes innovative design features developed in consultation with homeless veterans’ peer mentoring groups, PTSD experts, mental health experts, and a number of military organizations, to address the specific needs of this clientele.

All 40 units are self-contained bachelor suites, with their own kitchen and bathroom. All eight units on the ground floor are fully barrier-free, with the site and balance of the building designed to meet Universal Accessibility standards. The building features one central elevator, and an inviting main stairwell with natural lighting to encourage active living. The ground level of the building includes a variety of communal amenity and support service spaces, including a multi-purpose “mess hall”, a learning kitchen, a fitness room and quiet room.