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Sunday, November 3, 2024

Govt launches veterans’ housing program

The Federal Government has today launched its $30 million Veterans’ Acute Housing Program, aimed at supporting 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.

“We know that sadly veterans experience homelessness at far greater rates than the general population, which is why this new program is so important,” said Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Julie Collins.

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.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh says 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,” said the Minister.

“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,” he said.

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.

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