Joint media release - Albanese Labor Government tackling veteran homelessness

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our election commitment to address veteran homelessness with today’s launch of the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.

This Program is funded by the Housing Australia Future Fund, the single biggest investment in social and affordable housing in more than a decade, and forms part of the Government’s $32 billion Homes for Australia plan.

This new $30 million Program is intended to support veterans and their families experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. 

Every year, about 6,000 veterans are at risk of homelessness. 

On census night in 2021, there were about 1,500 Australian veterans who were homeless.

Applications for grant funding are now open to eligible organisations to not only build more crisis and transitional housing for veterans, but also provide wrap around specialist services for veterans and their families.

Veteran-aware Community Housing Providers and Ex-Service Organisations are invited to apply for one or both of the Programs two grant streams:

• $24 million is available under the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program – Capital Works Grant to make more crisis and transitional housing available for veterans and their families.
• $6 million is available under the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program – Specialist Services Grant to fund organisations to deliver access to specialist support services that address risk factors for homelessness.

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 attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Julie Collins:

“We know that sadly veterans experience homelessness at far greater rates than the general population, which is why this new program is so important.

“This critical new investment underscores why our Government fought so hard for the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which was opposed by the Liberals and Nationals, and delayed by the Greens.

“I look forward to making further announcements over the coming months about how the Fund will deliver more homes and more support for Australians. 

“The Fund is one part of our Government’s $32 billion Homes for Australia plan which is working across the board - with more help for homebuyers, more help for renters and more help for Australians needing a safe place for the night.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh:

“Veterans are three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population. Frankly, that's not good enough. We have an obligation to look after those who have put on our uniform to protect Australia.”

“Through these grants we are providing veterans and their families experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness with pathways to access safe and secure accommodation tailored to their specific needs.”

“The Veterans’ Acute Housing Program provides the necessary stability and security of accommodation to ensure the effectiveness of other necessary supports for veterans. 

“A vital component of this program is funding to provide wraparound supports to veterans and their families facing homelessness. These supports can include health and mental health treatment, as well as linkage to other community services.”

To view the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and find out more, visit the GrantConnect portal and search ‘GO6968’. Applications close on 13 September 2024. 

For more information visit the DVA website. 

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