New DVA thinking on veteran homelessness

Improving understanding of veteran homelessness among housing providers will be the focus of a new set of industry standards, training materials and a toolkit being developed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA).

Homeless in Sydney mockup, by CONTACT

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said any instance of veteran homelessness was concerning and this initiative will strengthen the relationship between housing providers, DVA, ex-service organisations (ESOs) and Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling.

“Where DVA is made aware of a veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness, all of these organisations work together to ensure they are appropriately looked after, and this joint initiative between DVA and CHIA will raise further awareness of veterans’ unique risk factors,” Mr Chester said.

“Partnering with CHIA on this work is vital as it represents all community housing providers across Australia, managing more than 100,000 rental properties, which will allow us to connect with veteran communities in all states and territories.

“The government is committed to better understanding homelessness among veterans and will continue to support initiatives such as this one, so that we are delivering quality services to those who may be struggling post-service.

“There are many factors that can contribute to homelessness, such as relationship breakdown, unemployment, and mental health issues, and the government is focused on mitigating these factors before veterans and their families find themselves at risk of being homeless.

“This has included Defence adopting a needs-based approach to transition, better employment support, free mental health care for life, and payments for those veterans in financial stress while their claim for compensation is in progress with DVA.”

Mr Chester said there was currently no single source of data on veterans’ homelessness and the government had actively sought to better understand and address the risk factors and the instances of homelessness in the veteran community.

“In 2021, for the first time the Australian Census will have a question about Australian Defence Force service, which will provide valuable data on the veteran community and allow government to better deliver services and support for veterans and their families, including homelessness services.

“While the states and territories have primary responsibility for delivering housing and homelessness services, the federal government provides more than $6 billion per year for housing and homelessness services for all Australians, including veterans.”

Veterans who are struggling with their living situation or are at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 555 254 or Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 who will work with them to access the most appropriate care.

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