With the state of the economy, the cost of living, and Australia’s housing crisis constantly in the news, the parts of the population that were already vulnerable – the homeless and those on the verge of it – are understandably anxious.
Though homeless people are historically considered to be ‘only’ marginalised people such as the unemployed and the mentally ill, homelessness is in fact only an arm’s length away from most of us. A recent piece published by Melbourne Zero titled How to Avoid Becoming Homeless outlined all the factors that could put someone at risk. The circumstances the article states that can lead to homelessness are in fact a part of life’s course and unavoidable for many of us. They range from growing up poor, being abused or sexually assaulted, and experiencing family violence, to having serious accidents or illnesses, a sudden loss of or inability to secure income, being involved in a natural disaster such as bushfire or floods, and/or having limited support networks. This could be any one of us at any given time in our lives.
With the current economy and housing market forcing many Australians out of their current accommodation for any number of reasons, the need for practical and immediate solutions must be prioritised. This is where organisations like Veteran Housing Australia come in, providing crisis accommodation and community housing to vulnerable people in the ADF community.
Community housing is “secure, affordable, long-term rental housing managed by not-for-profit organisations for people on low incomes or with special needs”, according to Housing Victoria. What determines ‘low incomes’ and ‘special needs’ however, now demands new definitions.
Everyday Australians are simply priced out of the market; while middle-aged women, parents and children fleeing family violence, the mentally ill, and veterans, are just a few of those filling out the ‘special needs’ category.
According to the Leave No Veteran Behind report, from May 2023 (Page 58, consultancy RPS for Housing All Australians) several identified risk factors may make veterans particularly vulnerable to homelessness. “These include being single, being unemployed, experiencing financial strain, having physical injuries, disabilities and mental health issues, having less contact with family and friends, and having experienced a greater number of lifetime traumatic events”.
Veteran Housing Australia (VHA) was established in 2022 as a not-for-profit to tackle veteran homelessness. Its mission is to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing options to veterans and their families. These simple goals are at the heart of why community housing is so essential – especially for veterans in need. Affordable housing solutions can be the make or break for veterans. Having a space of their own can have a big impact on mental health and making a house into a home can be a defining ritual of transitioning into civilian life. VHA’s resolve is to always find and provide age-appropriate and suitable accommodations for those vulnerable veterans who have given so much.
Community housing offers safety and stability not often seen in other housing solutions. It’s often accompanied by wrap-around support services such as resident programs, health and wellness checks, and long-term leases. It’s also an affordable solution, with VHA subsidising “any individual who has enlisted to serve in the Australian Defence force, their spouse and/or their children when accompanied by the Veteran. VHA also houses war widows and their children” (New Beginnings eBook Veteran Housing Australia).
If you are a veteran, know a veteran or are a family member of a veteran who is going through difficulties, you can contact the Australian Government’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs for assistance or contact us at Veteran Housing Australia and we can point you in the right direction.
