Improving the quality of life of older homeless veterans: A case study of Homes for Heroes Veterans' Village Program
By Phonkanok Nutprasert
The right to housing is a recognized as a fundamental human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations General Assembly, 1948). However, over the past few decades, homelessness in Canada has been increasing (Government of Canada, 2024). The Government of Canada has implemented several policies and programs to address homelessness among specific groups, including veterans (Government of Canada, 2025). According to H4HF, approximately 10,000 homeless veterans live on the streets (Homes for Heroes Foundation, 2025). Homeless veterans tend to experience episodic homelessness, are older than the general population of people experiencing homelessness (49 vs 39 years), and more likely to be women than their non-veteran counterparts (Homes for Heroes Foundation, 2025). Because multiple factors contribute to veteran homelessness, specific policies and practices to improve quality of life and reintegration into society for homeless veterans are needed.
The Canadian Department of Veterans Affairs and other social service organizations have underscored the importance of addressing the increasing prevalence of veteran homelessness (Short et al., 2023). Drawing on the findings of the Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) Partnership, a tri-city multi-methods study examining shelter services for older homeless adults, we sought to examine how the Homes for Heroes Foundation (H4HF) Veterans' Village program, a barracks-style village of tiny homes in Calgary, Alberta, improves residents’ quality of life and reintegration into society.
In 2019, H4HF built the first tiny homes 'village' in Calgary, providing homes to veterans experiencing homelessness. Residents may stay in the community for approximately 18-24 months. In addition to providing housing, the program operates via the principle of Strong and Strength - to build both physical and mental strength and prevent veterans from re-entering the cycle of homelessness. We examined how the H4HF program helps older homeless veterans in direct and indirect ways.
Methods
Grounded in social justice theory (Rawls, 1971), which provides a lens for understanding and addressing the structural inequalities while emphasizing fairness, equity, and the redistribution of resources fundamental rights and opportunities, we sought to understand the multiple layers of disadvantage veterans face to advocate for policies and programs that provide targeted support for this population. We employed a qualitative research design, gathering primary and secondary data to explore strategies for improving the quality of life of older homeless veterans, focusing on the H4HF program. We conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with five service providers, program administrators, and social workers at the H4HF Veterans' Village. We sought to gain firsthand insights into the effectiveness of the program and the challenges encountered by residents. We also conducted an review of gray literature related to homelessness among veterans, as well as de-identified organizational documents from H4HF to provide additional context and to support the primary findings.
Findings
Analysis revealed that H4HF's Veterans' Village program supports physical health of residents through their principle of 'Strong and Strength'. The values that H4HF employs to promote physical health and mobility are labeled by the organization as Affordable and Manageable Housing and Safety and Security. One provider participant articulated the key features of the Village which support the physical health of residents:
These tiny homes are 300 square feet, and we are deliberately keeping them tiny, for that transitional period from in housing to in stable housing. . .. Rent in Calgary is $600 a month; we wanted to be at 60% or less of the average market rental rate. . . But also give them a home they can maintain that can work, a garden, that can, and, you know, still have access to family, but still have their own private space. So tiny homes can be a great solution. . . We went to a model where you're in a location where it's accessible for public transport and, the amenities around the community.
Moreover, the same participant highlighted the aspects of security both in the village: “We have security cameras in each village, a camera system, that can be monitored remotely,” and in their own accommodation: “Let them settle in, let them sleep, let them feel secure and safe. Let them know that when they lock the door, no one's coming in,” which contributed to residents’ sense of safety.
Furthermore, residents are permitted to consume alcohol in their own house, yet is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure peace and safety among the residents. As one provider participant explained: “Every renter is entitled to peaceful enjoyment of the property. And so, when that is interfered with, as landlords, it is our duty to step in and take action, whatever that may.”
For residents living with mental illness and/or brain injuries, H4HF requires residents to receive treatment after their first month of tenancy, which is offered through onsite social workers. Supporting veterans’ emotional well-being is implemented through H4HF’s values of Self-reliance and Socialization.
Service providers emphasized the need to support residents’ independence and self-reliance, as one provider participant commented, “They're very independent, very, capable of navigating all the systems by themselves. They just need a soft place to land . . . They just need a home base for a small period of time and then they can move on.” Another provider participant articulated the strategies the shelter used to support independence:
I can give [the resident] a hand with it [managing their own home]. Cause someday you're gonna have to be able to do this. . . But they control, they have access to their water tank, they control their own heat. It's truly a hundred percent independent.
H4HF staff provide support while in the program, as one provider participant stated: “My relationship with [the tenants] is good. They'll call me up and let me know [if they need anything].” Indeed, outreach is provided for those who leave the program and experience homelessness again. Participants noted that creating opportunities for socialization was key to supporting residents’ mental health and wellbeing. One provider participant commented on how the physical design of the community contributed to socialization:
All our homes are inward facing, and that's for individuals to look out for each other, to have that social aspect of it. We're not suggesting all our tenants get along with each other, but there is that opportunity for socialization, and shared experience.
Conclusion
The H4HF program aims to address the physical and emotional needs of housing insecure veterans to improve their housing stability, quality of life, and effective reintegration into society, aligning with Rawl's social justice theory, which promotes the fair distribution of resources.
References
Casavant, L. (1999). Definition of homelessness. Political and Social Affairs Division.
Government of Canada. (2024). Everyone counts 2020-2022 – Results from the third nationally coordinated point-in-time counts of homelessness in Canada. Retrieved from:
Government of Canada. (2025). Veteran homelessness program: Directives. Retrieved from:
Homes for Heroes Foundation. (2025). Homes for Heroes Foundation. Retrieved from:
Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
Short, M., Felder, S., Baird, L. G., & Gamble, B. (2023). Female Veterans’ risk factors for homelessness: A scoping review. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 9(4), 29–38.
United Nations General Assembly. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. New York: United Nations General Assembly.