We were very excited to hear the news that construction company BGC has agreed to support the building of RAAFA’s Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) accommodation, through the provision of subsidised building materials.
The ARVL housing initiative, which provides transitional housing and connection to professional support services to veterans who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, is based on a successful program in South Australia.
Ian Craig, Head of Clear Skies, said that RAAFA was committed to supporting this vulnerable group and filling a service gap that currently exists for veterans.
“Veterans experience homelessness at three times the rate of the general population and because of their complex issues they are more likely to be homeless for longer. And today there is no specialist housing response in WA to help them get back into permanent accommodation,” says Ian.
“We are so grateful to BGC for contributing to this important program, this commitment to providing materials means we can get started sooner.”
Kylie Russell, widow of the late Sergeant Andrew Russell, said this year marks the 21st Anniversary of her husband’s death in Afghanistan and that she hopes to see the program commence in WA during the year.
“We don’t know how many veterans are without permanent housing each night, I know from experience people who serve don’t always ask for help through community programs and we need to provide that help within the veteran community,” she says.
“The issues experienced by some when they exit the defence force are varied and complex, it is so important that WA has a program which can support our most vulnerable veterans.”
“Along with RAAFA, I’m asking the whole community to stand with us, the State government and BGC to help to fund this important program.
“We are ready and want to build the accommodation as quickly as we can, but we need help to do it,” adds Ian.
BGC CEO, Daniel Cooper, says the company’s commitment continues the sound relationship between BGC and RAAFA that has existed since the building of their first retirement community.
“We have worked alongside RAAFA for over 40 years, and we have always admired their strong commitment to supporting veterans,” says Daniel.
“We’re so proud to be a part of this new project and believe that together we can make a difference to the lives of the men and women who have given so much for our country.”
Anyone who would like to make a difference for veterans through this initiative can do so via www.raafawa.org.au.
The Hon. Paul Papalia CSC, MLA, Minister for Police, Road Safety, Defence Industry and Veterans Issues says the Andrew Russell Veteran Living program has delivered some outstanding results in South Australia and will be exceptionally valuable to the veteran community in WA.
“The partnership with BGC is another step forward for the ARVL program and I thank BGC for their commitment,” he says.
Photo caption – LtoR Daniel Cooper BGC; Paul Papalia CSC; Ian Craig; Kylie Russell; Duncan Bosch BGC; Brian Adams BGC