Chris Blackstock, a former resident of Pembroke, has announced the upcoming release of his original song titled “Homeless Veteran,” set to debut on March 17, 2024. As a military veteran who has experienced homelessness himself, Blackstock aims to shed light on the challenges faced by homeless individuals, particularly among veterans.
During lockdowns, Blackstock got creative and wrote 26 songs, including this one. He says he whipped up “Homeless Veteran” in just two days because he’s passionate about telling his story, hoping it will help others.
“I know how powerful talking about stuff is, so I wanted to keep the spotlight on homeless vets in our country,” Blackstock explains. “I’ve been there, done that, so I want to help out.”
Besides music, Blackstock volunteers with groups that aid struggling veterans. Blackstock hopes his song will make people think twice about homelessness, especially among those who’ve served their country. Keep an ear out for “Homeless Veteran” and let’s help those who’ve served get back on their feet.
Blackstock revealed that his inspiration for the song stemmed from a startling statistic – 4.4% of Canada’s homeless population consists of veterans. Drawing from his own experiences, he recognizes the difficulty in seeking assistance but hopes to convey the message that it’s okay to ask for help.
For those in need of support, Blackstock encourages reaching out to Veterans Affairs Canada at 866-522-2022 or connecting with local branches of the legion. Fans can stay updated on Chris Blackstock’s music journey by following him on Instagram and YouTube under the handle “chris_blackstock_music.” Be sure to tune in for the release of “Homeless Veteran,” accompanied by a lyric video, and join Blackstock in his mission to raise awareness and support for homeless veterans.
(Written by: Emma Butler)