Veterans Affairs committee  Again, for us, the veterans we are aware of are self-identified. We don't even know if they're truly veterans or if it's mental illness that's coming into play and they're assuming that identity for whatever reason. In general, my experience with the homeless, from working in op

Veterans Affairs committee  Aly is being very modest. She works a 10-hour day four days a week. However, she answers her phone endlessly. People are consulting with her after hours. She never denies any information or requests coming in. She's on the clock all the time.

Veterans Affairs committee  You could also—because it seems like this is a national priority.... The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has regular meetings. If someone from Veterans Affairs would present there, they would bring it back to their respective agencies and pass information downwards also,

Veterans Affairs committee  Oh, but I agree with you. She needs support.

Veterans Affairs committee  There are homeless all throughout the city now—on the west side, in the south. They're popping up in small groups. They're maybe not as large as the Downtown Eastside. Vancouver right now has a 1% vacancy rate for rentals, so that itself is a challenge for any person in the mark

Veterans Affairs committee  That's right.

Veterans Affairs committee  It's ironic that you ask that. We have actually modelled a peer-to-peer support program from the military. With our own people, there are similarities, in the sense of some of the horrors we see in regard to human suffering and all that, and sometimes the use of deadly force. W

Veterans Affairs committee  Oftentimes our homeless are victims of crime, and they're reluctant to report. Alyson is the constant face on the street that they become familiar with and they feel comfortable with. When she is conducting her outreach, the chances are higher of reporting if they've been a victi

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you for having us.