First homes delivered under acute housing program
In March 2026, the first housing facility funded through the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program (VAHP) program was completed in the Cairns region. The development consists of 6 self-contained, one-bedroom dwellings across 2 triplexes. Tenancies and support services commenced almost immediately, with 5 of the 6 residences occupied within the first week of the facility’s completion.
The remaining 7 capital works housing projects are currently underway. These are expected to be delivered progressively from this year, with all the projects anticipated to be completed by around mid-2028. In total, the program is expected to deliver up to 78 new dwellings across Queensland, Tasmania, NSW, Victoria, SA, and WA.
The VAHP is a $30 million initiative designed to improve housing outcomes for veterans and families of veterans who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. It provides $24 million in capital works grant funding for projects to expand the availability of crisis and transitional housing; and $6 million in grants to fund organisations to deliver specialist support services that address the risk factors for homelessness.
In addition to housing delivery, the program is assisting 5 organisations to provide targeted wrap-around support to address the risk factors of homelessness. Four of these are already delivering case management and outreach-based service delivery to veterans and families of veterans in locations across Queensland, NT, NSW (including the ACT), Victoria and SA. Veterans and families of veterans in need of crisis support across these regions can reach out to RSL Queensland, RSL LifeCare, Vasey RSL Care or RSL Care SA for assistance.
The fifth organisation, based in Perth, has commenced referral support and partnership activities and will expand to deliver more intensive, on-site case management in mid-2027 once the associated crisis and transitional housing facility is completed. In the interim, veterans and families of veterans can reach out to RAAFA WA to be connected to local supports.
In the second half of last year, more than 500 veterans and family members of veterans experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, received case management or outreach support through the VAHP Specialist Services grantees.
For more information on veteran homelessness support, visit the DVA website or contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046.