Joint media release - Veteran homelessness funding rolls out
The Hon Clare O'Neil MP
Minister for Housing
Minister for Homelessness
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our election commitment to address veteran homelessness, with the roll out of $30 million through the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
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.
Ten ex-service organisations and veteran-aware community housing providers from around the country will share in $30 million to support both capital works and specialist wraparound services.
$24 million will go towards capital works funding to increase the supply and ongoing availability of crisis and transitional housing specifically for veterans and families.
An additional $6 million will help fund delivery of specialist wraparound support services to veterans and families to address the risk factors of homelessness and get them back on their feet.
This investment will help to provide veterans and their families a pathway to access safe and secure temporary accommodation. It will also assist in increasing the capacity of these organisations to deliver coordinated support and assist with the transition into long-term housing.
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.
Media contact
Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485
DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au
Watch the A Current Affair exclusive.
The full list of successful VAHP grants recipients is below.
| Recipient | Project Name | Location | Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSL Care SA | Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Wallaroo | South Australia | $1,818,181.74 |
| Vasey RSL Care | Geelong Transitional Accommodation Project | Victoria | $4,675,669.00 |
| Kirinari | Veterans Accommodation Albury Centre (VAAC) | Victoria and New South Wales | $1,200,000.00 |
| Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) | Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Program | Western Australia | $4,332,275.91 |
| Access Community Housing | Veterans Transitional Housing Program | Queensland | $1,647,115.00 |
| Roseberry Qld | Central Queensland Veterans’ Housing Support | Queensland | $4,426,758.35 |
| Coffs Harbour Legacy Welfare Fund | Legacy on Albany | New South Wales | $4,100,000.00 |
| RSL Tasmania | Veteran Housing Program Tasmania | Tasmania | $1,800,000.00 |
| Recipient | Project Name | Location | Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSL Care SA | ARVL Pathways Program for older homeless veterans | South Australia | $703,730 |
| Vasey RSL Care | Veteran Housing and Supports Coordinators | Victoria | $1,193,646 |
| Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) | Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Program | Western Australia | $581,000 |
| RSL Queensland | Housing support for veterans exiting institutions | Queensland and Northern Territory | $2,021,624 |
| RSL LifeCare | Enhancing Homes for Heroes | New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory | $1,500,000 |
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