Homelessness is increasing as the housing affordability crisis worsens – and it affects the vulnerable in our community, such as military veterans.
The homelessness rate for veterans is nearly three times as high as the general population. This is not the way to thank those who have served our country.
Veteran suicide rates are high: on average around 70 veterans take their lives in Australia every year.
"But there is a solution", says Janna Voloshin, CEO, Vasey RSL Care. "The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program will change the lives of more than 100 homeless veterans over its first three years – but only with Government support.
"We cannot stand by while veterans are homeless. We implore Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Defence The Hon Richard Marles MP, Minister for Veterans' Affairs The Hon Matt Keogh MP and Minister for Housing The Hon Julie Collins to come together and ensure that Tuesday's Federal Government says 'yes' to this life-changing, life-saving Program for homeless veterans."
Vasey RSL Care is putting $11.04 million into The V Centre and seeking $12.7 million (over three years) from the Federal Budget to operate the Program.
Voloshin: "We know how important the ADF is to our country. We cannot simply forget those who served in the past. If they are homeless, desperate, suicidal, it is our duty to help them. If they need housing, support or services, it is our duty to do provide them.
"I am asking our Government, 'Can we rely on you to fund our budget submission and begin changing lives?'
"And not just changing lives – saving lives, saving families from trauma, increasing employment rates, reducing DVA pension costs, slashing homelessness expenses and decreasing emergency and acute care costs. This is a win-win-win-win-win.
"We implore you to say 'yes' to funding The V Centre in Tuesday's budget."
Key Facts:
Too many veterans are homeless.
There is a solution - The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program.
Vasey RSL Care is asking Federal Government not to forget homeless veterans in Tuesday's budget.
CEO Jannan Voloshin: "I am asking our Government, 'Can we rely on you to fund The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program and begin changing lives?'"
