Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Appeal - 9-16 February 2024

Western Australian veterans have selflessly risked their lives to protect our nation's best interests. Sadly, upon returning from service, they face yet another challenge.

The latest research suggests that veterans are three times more at risk of homelessness than everyday Australians.

Homelessness isn't the only challenge our veterans face. Veteran suicide is more prevalent with those experiencing homelessness than those who are not, and retired male and female veterans are more likely to die of suicide than the average Australian.

We're asking you to join forces to help end veteran homelessness.

This ARVL Appeal, we're asking you to join forces with us by donating to RAAFA to fund the ARVL program throughout ARVL Awareness Week: 9 -16 February 2024. Your donation will go towards funding the ARVL program in WA to help end veteran homelessness.

You can also show your support by purchasing an ARVL Badge at Yagan Square in Perth CBD on 9 February 2024 between 7am and 7pm. There will also be a number of volunteers selling badges across the following Perth train stations: Mandurah, Bull Creek, Fremantle, Claremont, Airport Central, Butler, Midland, Joondalup, Perth Underground and Elizabeth Quay on 9 February from 7am until 9am.

We're inviting you to proudly wear your badge leading up to ARVL Badge Day, 16 February 2024, adding to the legacy of Sergeant Andrew Russell on the anniversary of his death in combat, as the program's namesake.

RAAFA's Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Program

On 16 February 2022, RAAFA launched the Andrew Russell Veteran's Living (ARVL) program in Western Australia, based on an established program in South Australia. RAAFA aims to provide purpose-built accommodation to house veterans in Perth who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

Our Mission

• To reduce the number of veterans who are currently experiencing homelessness in WA.
• Provide emergency accommodation to veterans that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
• To assist veterans with access to established government and NGO services to support independence and wellbeing.

RAAFA is currently in Phase 3 of the project ‘Fundraising for Construction'. Funding is now being sought through a number of revenue streams and you can be part of the solution by donating.

RAAFA's ARVL emergency accommodation will consist of 16 units in the suburb of Cannington, designed to provide temporary accommodation for veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need of transit accommodation. The program will operate using an adapted housing-first solution with the primary goal focusing on housing pathways to assist veterans in securing permanent housing.

A simple and powerful way to make a big difference.

Who was Andrew Russell?

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

To raise funds to deliver the ARVL program in WA, we need your support.