London is being recognized as being the first city in the country to establish a list of veterans experiencing homelessness in the community.
Known as the Veteran Quality By-Name List, the database tracks homeless veterans with real-time information. Each of the approximately 20 veterans currently on the list have consented to share their information.
The aim is to end homelessness among veterans by prioritizing them for housing and other social services.
The list has earned London praise from Built for Zero Canada, a part of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness which is dedicated to helping communities end chronic homelessness and veteran homelessness.
“The hard work and dedication of the City of London’s Homeless Prevention and Housing team to end veteran homelessness is demonstrated by the impressive accomplishment of achieving a Veteran Quality By-Name List,” Marie Morrison, director for Built for Zero Canada, said in a statement. “Achieving this list is the first essential step in the work to end veteran homelessness, not only in the city of London, but in Canada. Congratulations are in order.”
Creating the veteran quality by-name list is just London's first step in ending homelessness among veterans. The city's Homeless Prevention team is now working to reduce the number of people on the list by finding them permanent housing.
“This is a positive step towards ending veteran homelessness in our community,” said Deputy Mayor Jesse Helmer. “By knowing who is at risk of or experiencing homelessness in London, we’re better able to provide the programs and supports needed to help secure permanent housing for our veterans."
A similar list that tracks all Londoners who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless has more than 1,000 names on it.