The Salvation Army has been awarded $1.8 million over three years to deliver a tailored housing and homelessness support program, serving Queensland's proud veteran community.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the funding was part of a broader $10 million support package improving the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of Queensland veterans and their families.
"Honouring the courage and sacrifice of our veterans isn't just about medals and ceremonies, but about ensuring they receive the care and support they need to live safe, healthy and happy lives," the Premier said.
"Queensland boasts the largest veteran community in the nation – with more than 163,000 current and former servicemen and women across the State.
"And at the last State election, we pledged $10 million dollars toward greater veteran support across key areas such as employment, legal assistance and housing.
"$1.8 million in funding is being provided to deliver tailored support for veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness.
"I'm pleased to say we will be working with The Salvation Army, Queensland to deliver this service.
"Queenslanders are very familiar with the work of 'the Salvos', and the organisation already delivers a successful homelessness support program for veterans, in collaboration with RSL Queensland.
"This additional $1.8 million in funding will allow their homelessness support services to be expanded, catering for a greater number of veterans and meeting the demand for housing support."
The Salvos are a major provider of housing and specialist homelessness services in Queensland, delivering temporary supported accommodation, community and affordable housing solutions and supports that are appropriate to people's needs.
Salvation Army State Manager Homelessness Queensland, Aaron Pimlott, said The Salvation Army is delighted to be able to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver much needed support to veterans who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
"Our ongoing efforts to end veteran homelessness can only be achieved by partnering with others," he said.
"We look forward to developing this partnership and to achieving positive outcomes for veterans in Queensland."
Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch welcomed the contribution of The Salvation Army – joining organisations across the state providing relief and support for people at-risk of homelessness.
"Responding to the urgent housing needs of Queenslanders has been a major focus for the Queensland Government throughout 2022," Minister Enoch said.
"In October, we gathered with key stakeholders for the Queensland Housing Summit – finding workable, tangible solutions to ensure all Queenslanders can access safe and affordable housing, which meets their needs.
"As part of the Summit, we doubled the size of our flagship Housing Investment Fund to $2 billion, and increased our target to commence 5600 new social and affordable homes by June 2027.
"This brings the Queensland Government's investment in social and affordable housing to a record almost $4 billion.
"We know there's no simple solution to housing insecurity, and we greatly value the contribution of organisations like The Salvos, who are providing housing and homelessness support to diverse communities across Queensland."
Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
