In a pledge to help Western Australian veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the WA Government has announced a $5 million Lotterywest grant to support RAAFA WA’s Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program.
The pledge comes following the launch of the ARVL Appeal earlier this year, where RAAFA WA called on the public to help raise $10 million to fund the build of the ARVL emergency accommodation site for veterans experiencing homelessness.
The site will consist of 16 purpose-built units in Cannington, a southern suburb of Perth, and form just one part of ARVL’s purpose-designed veteran support program which aims to connect veterans to essential services, including mental health support.
The ARVL program was established in memory of Sergeant Andrew Russell, who served in the Perth-based SAS Regiment and, tragically, was the first Australian military death in action since the Vietnam War.
Sergeant Russell’s wife Kylie has worked with RAAFA to establish the ARVL program in his honour.
RAAFA CEO, Michelle Fyfe, said the grant from the State Government will help make ARVL a reality.
“Tragically Sergeant Andrew Russell never returned home, but thanks to the tireless work of his wife Kylie and RAAFA, his mates will have access to emergency accommodation and mental health support if they fall on hard times,” she said.
Last year, the Leave No Veteran Behind Report revealed veterans are three times more at risk of experiencing homelessness than everyday Australians. Based on a successful program currently running in South Australia, RAAFA’s ARVL program will provide eligible West Australian veterans with a fully furnished one-bedroom unit or bedsit, along with a personalised health and wellbeing services program.
RAAFA’s commitment to ending veteran homelessness extends through its support of the Sir Valston Hancock House veteran accommodation site, which was generously funded by Hancock Prospecting. Since opening in September 2024, the site has almost exhausted its capacity to house veterans, further confirming the need for ARVL’s emergency accommodation site.
Planning for the ARVL accommodation site is underway, with a development application expected to be lodged in early 2025.
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