A former Canadian soldier is opening up the doors of an apartment building to past and present veterans who need a place to call home.
Mike Tait served for 25 years in the Canadian military and was deployed a few times overseas. He's been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and understands the difficulties veterans face in readjusting to civilian life.
"I know the troubles I've gone through, especially when I transited out from out of the military, and it's difficult,” said Tait. “Everybody takes, or handles PTSD differently."
Tait is opening five apartments for veterans in Saint John, all on his own dime.
"My plan is to try get homeless or vets that are in a crisis situation to come in here, get them off the streets, hopefully try and find them employment and just talk and get better well-being going for them," said Tait.
Veteran Henry D'Eon says the idea of a vet helping vets is the best way for things to get back to normal.
"As a military person, the first person you're going to go to for help would be somebody that is military, somebody that understands where you've been," said D'Eon.
"Even though you look forward to the day you're getting out, or pull the pin as we say, it's scary. It can be scary for a lot of people."
There are programs in place for veterans integrating back into society, but Tait says he doesn't think there are enough.
He says it's important for veterans to have access to help right away.
"It's a lot for a veteran to ask for help,” said Tait. “Then once we finally do ask for help, we need immediate solutions, or immediate help, not the big waiting game that is currently the system."
Tait says even though the units need some work, he's opening the doors up for anyone who needs them free of charge.
He says the idea is a work in progress, but so is getting back into life after serving.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ashley Blackford.
