One of Australia's leading ex-service accommodation providers, Vasey RSL Care has expressed delight at securing $1.2 million in funding towards their innovative accommodation project The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program, under the Albanese Labor Government's Veteran Wellbeing Grant (One Off) Program. The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program will support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program will provide a safe place to live combined with wraparound support services. It is the first of its kind in Australia and will not only change lives, but potentially save lives.
The latest release of the Rental Affordability Index finds the Australian rental crisis is getting worse by the month, spreading from capital cities to regional areas. The report notes that many vulnerable Australians are paying up to 75% of their income towards accommodation costs and are at risk of becoming homeless. Moreover, the rate of homelessness among military veterans is nearly three times as high as for the general population.
"Given the ongoing housing crisis in Australia, there is a pressing need for The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program", Vasey RSL Care Chief Executive Officer Janna Voloshin said.
"This is not just a program; it's a lifeline for veterans in need. With this funding, opening the Centre is now a reality. Early in the new year, homeless veterans in Victoria will have somewhere to go to find the help they need, " Ms Voloshin said.
"We are sincerely appreciative of the Federal Government's support; this is more than an injection of funding, it is an important recognition of the sacrifices our veterans have made," Vasey RSL Care Board Chair Mike O'Meara OAM said.
"There is still more work to do, but this funding is a great start and evidence of the Federal Government's confidence in the work we do", Mr O'Meara added.
Background: The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program is a $24 million project, with Vasey RSL Care contributing $12 million, and requesting a total of $12 million dollars co-contribution from the Federal Government.
The building refurbishment component of The V Centre is currently in the final stages of completion and The V Centre is expected to be open early in the new year.
