Joint media release - Albanese Government tackling veteran homelessness in Cairns

The Albanese Government is addressing veteran homelessness in Cairns with local organisation Access Community Housing receiving $1.65 million through the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.

Thanks to this funding, Access Community Housing will deliver the Veterans’ Transitional Housing Program. This will see six units custom built in Edmonton to provide crisis and transitional accommodation to veterans and families who are experiencing, or at risk, of homelessness.

The Federal electorate of Leichhardt is home to more than 5,700 veterans who have, or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force, the Albanese Government is working to make sure they can access the services and supports they need and deserve.

Access Community Housing are one of ten ex-service organisations and veteran-aware community housing providers who will share in $30 million to support both capital works and specialist wraparound services for Australian veterans.

Any veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is encouraged to reach out to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 to be connected to appropriate supports.

Quotes attributed to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs:

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our election commitment to address veteran homelessness.

With veterans three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, this Program is intended to support veterans experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

This investment will help to provide veterans and their families with a pathway to access safe and secure temporary accommodation, as well as increase the capacity of organisations delivering coordinated support and assist with the transition into long-term housing.”

Quotes attributable to Senator Nita Green:

“Our community cares deeply about commemorating veterans for their service, but also supporting them when they’re in need.

I’m so proud that our government is backing great local organisations like Access Community Housing and investing in important projects like this in Cairns to address veteran homelessness.

We have an obligation to look after our local veterans who put themselves on the line to keep our country safe.”

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608