Join forces tO help
end veteran homelessness
Veterans are three times more at risk of homelessness than everyday Australians. Join forces with RAAFA and donate to our Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program to help end veteran homelessness.
about RAAFA’s andrew russell veteran living (ARVL) program
RAAFA has developed the Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program in Western Australian, which will see the development of purpose-built emergency veteran accommodation in Perth.
Upon completion, the ARVL program will see an accommodation site with 16 purpose-built units that will provide not only a safe space, but also access to vital wellbeing and health services.
To deliver the ARVL program in Western Australia, we need your support.
We’re asking you to join forces with us by donating to RAAFA to fund the ARVL program. Your donation will go towards funding the ARVL development in WA and helping us end veteran homelessness.
THE CHALLENGE EACH AUSTRALIAN VETERAN FACES
5.3% recently transitioned ADF veterans experienced homelessness, this is almost 3x higher than the general population.
50% are estimated to become homeless for four weeks in any homeless 'episode'.
Only 39% of recently transitioned ADF members sought assistance from mainstream homelessness service organisations
Veteran suicide and suicidality is more prevalent in people experiencing homelessness than those who are not.
86% of residents in a South Australian veteran homeless program have been diagnosed with a mental health condition; more than half (55%) of which is PTSD from military service.
OUR MISSION
To provide purpose-built accommodation in Perth, Western Australia to house veterans who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.
goals of our
arvl program
To reduce the number of veterans who are currently experiencing homelessness in Western Australia.
Provide emergency accommodation to support veterans that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
To assist veterans access to established government and NGO services to support independence and wellbeing.
OUR HOUSING FIRST SOLUTION IS DESIGNED FOR VETERANS
At present there is no specific provision of Community Housing rental units or accommodation programs specific to the veteran community in Western Australia. Programs do exist in other States and some have been running successfully for a number of years. In addressing this gap, RAAFA has developed the following foundational targets:
1
Provide accommodation for up to 16 veterans at any given time
2
Deliver up to 5000 nights accommodation to veterans in the first 12 months of operation
3
Secure funding for ongoing operational costs
ARVL accommodation
RAAFA’s ARVL emergency accommodation is located in Cannington and will consist of 16 units that provide temporary accommodation for veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or in need of transit accommodation.
The primary goal of ARVL focuses on assisting veterans in securing permanent housing. However, whilst residing in the ARVL emergency accommodation, individualised case plans will be developed to assist veterans to actively work towards addressing their own situation of homelessness by engaging with external support agencies and relevant Ex-Service Organisations (ESO’s).
RAAFA will provide a fully furnished one bedroom unit or bedsit. The length of stay at ARVL will be determined on a case by case basis and will be in alignment with personal circumstances and housing needs.
Artist Impressions for Illustrative Purposes Only
OUR JOURNEY TO DELIVER THE ARVL PROGRAM
RAAFA launched the ARVL program on 16 February 2022. By late 2022, the Cannington site was purchased. RAAFA is currently in Phase 3, fundraising for construction with the aim to deliver on the proposed opening of the ARVL accommodation on 16 February 2025.
1
ARVL launch
2
Purchase of land for ARVL accommodation
3
Fundraising to support construction
4
Construction commences
5
ARVL welcomes its first veterans in 2025
how your donation will help
All donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia.
Sergeant (SGT) Andrew Russell’S LEGACY
Sergeant Andrew Russell was a South Australian born Special Air Service (SAS) soldier who was killed in Afghanistan in February 2002. 33-year-old SGT Russell was from the Perth-based SAS Regiment and, tragically, lost his life after the long-range patrol vehicle he was travelling in, struck a suspected anti-vehicle mine. SGT Russell's passing was the first Australian military death in action since the Vietnam War.
SGT Andrew Russell was husband to Kylie, father to Leisa, and a proud Australian Defence Force (ADF) member who served from November 1986 until February 2002. The RAAFA ARVL program is named in his honour. The launch in 2022 marked 20 years since SGT Russell's passing.
"Andrew lived his life to the full and passionately loved his job" - Biography of Sergeant Russell
a message from sgt Andrew russell’s family
ABOUT RAAFA
RAAFA is one of WA’s largest and most trusted not-for-profit retirement living and residential care providers and have been caring for people in WA since 1929. On ANZAC Day In 1929 a group of Australian Flying Corps (AFC) veterans came together to maintain their comradeship and recreate the spirit of solidarity and values they experienced as members of the AFC.
The Australian Flying Corp Association evolved into the Royal Australian Air Force Association Inc, and recently changed its name to Air Force Association, an organisation that includes Divisions in each State and a National Office in Canberra. The Association exists to support Australian ex-service people and women.
An important part of RAAFA’s DNA is the work we do around our charitable purpose. This includes working with our members and various branch networks, because we are an organization that was founded by members, supporting veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force, particularly the Air Force members and their families. There is also, our history and heritage which includes our Aviation Heritage Museum and the work that we do with commemorative events.
Today, the Air Force Association (Western Australian Division) Incorporated, trading as RAAFA is proud to be creating communities open to all and taking the next step, to provide a housing solution for veterans in need.