Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Alan Mulawyshyn 

As the year draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the year that it has been for Veterans’ House Canada (VHC). We started construction in Edmonton, held a very successful groundbreaking ceremony, hired new staff, extended our outreach and fundraising initiatives, continued to improve our brand awareness, moved to a new office, and worked towards future projects beyond Edmonton. It has been quite the year, but next year is shaping up to continue our momentum.

We are working towards opening Edmonton late next year and finishing off the capital campaign. We continue to look for opportunities in other cities across Canada to better serve those Veterans who find themselves homeless. As we enjoy being with friends and family during this holiday season, let’s not forget that many Veterans will not be doing that – they will be wondering where they will spend the night and where their next meal will come from.

Together, we can all help make a difference in their lives. VHC is blessed to have so many wonderful, generous supporters who make it possible for us to provide permanent, affordable, and supportive housing to homeless Veterans.

I would like to personally thank everyone of you who have helped us on our mission and vision of ending Veteran homelessness. We can only do what we do because of you. I wish you all the best during this festive holiday season and look forward to sharing our successes with you next year.

Happy Holidays!!!!

President’s message – 2026

Mark Eldridge 

Just one month ago, our collective thoughts were for the men and women who answered the call to duty down through the years, whose courage helped shape Canada; of sorrow for those who died and of compassion for the survivors, many injured in body and mind. For some, those injuries led to alienation; from family, from friends, and even from society. For some, it has meant homelessness and a sort of hardship that many of us will never have to experience.

As we now look forward to the holiday season at Veterans’ House Canada, we are always mindful of the very real struggle of those whose battles didn’t end when the uniform came off. Our mission to provide permanent, affordable, supportive housing to homeless veterans is not only our work—it is our passion. Together with our partners, donors, and supporters, we are building communities where healing is possible, where hope thrives, and where futures will be rebuilt. And during the holidays, that promise takes on even deeper meaning; no veteran should feel alone at any time of the year, but it always feels more acute at Christmas

To our staff, directors, partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters: my deepest thanks for standing with us. Because of you, light reaches places where darkness once settled. Because of you, hope returns. To all veterans, and particularly to our tenants: your service, your sacrifice, and your resilience inspire us. And you deserve a home, a community, and a future with possibilities, and we are committed to that. 

As we look ahead to a new year, may we carry with us the spirit of generosity and unity that defines this season. May we continue to lift one another up, ensuring that every veteran knows they are valued, respected, and never forgotten.

From my family to yours, and from all of us at Veterans’ House Canada, I wish you peace, health, and renewed hope this Christmas and holiday season.