Welcome Veterans' Drop-In Centre - Member's Statement

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Debbie and Jim Lowther, who yesterday celebrated the opening of the Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) drop-in centre on Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth. VETS caters directly to veterans who have left the military, offering immediate help with navigation, resources, and support.

Re-integrating into civilian life is a challenge compounded by the residual impact of experiences in the military. Veterans are often at risk for homelessness or are struggling with PTSD. With funding help from Hockey Helps the Homeless and private donors, VETS is providing a safe, stable, understanding place where veterans can get help navigating and accessing services to help find suitable jobs, housing, and health care.

They've only been open for a week, Mr. Speaker, and before they made it official yesterday with their grand opening, they had already assisted 40 veterans in need of support.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to welcome Jim, Debbie and their amazing staff and all of the veterans they help, to downtown Dartmouth.