BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
Western Australia’s veteran community is set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) successfully securing more than $4.9 million through the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
This vital funding will go towards the Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Program, providing crisis and transitional housing as well as essential wraparound services to support veterans in need.
With veterans three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, the Australian Government has committed $30 million to support housing solutions and specialised services across the country.
RAAFA WA has been named a key recipient, securing $4,332,275.91 for capital works and an additional $581,000 to enhance specialist support services through the ARVL Program.
RAAFA’s ARVL emergency accommodation will consist of 16 units in the suburb of Cannington, designed to provide temporary accommodation for veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need of transit accommodation. The program will operate using an adapted housing-first solution with the primary goal focusing on housing pathways to assist veterans in securing permanent housing.
Nine other ex-service organisations and veteran-aware housing providers across Australia have also received funding to improve crisis accommodation and provide critical support services. Among them are Vasey RSL Care, RSL Care SA and Roseberry QLD, each contributing to the national effort to combat veteran homelessness.
For veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, help is available. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs encourages those in need to reach out via 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046.