Veterans three times more likely to be homeless
A new survey has revealed there are nearly twice as many homeless veterans than the government estimated. The Department of Veterans Affairs believed there were about 3000 former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel without a home but new research released by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) last month (November 2019) puts the number of homeless veterans at 5767.
The new figures mean that veterans are experiencing homelessness at almost three times the rate of the general population – 5.3 per cent compared to 1.9 for the populace as a whole. As the survey covered only people who left the ADF between 2001 and 2018, these are not old people we are talking about. Since 2001 some 40,000 ADF personnel have deployed to
or worked in direct support of, operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The two biggest factors increasing the risk of veterans becoming homeless were the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a relationship breakdown following the transition from military to civilian life. Other factors which increase the risk of a veteran becoming homeless include being young, unemployed and under a financial strain, the report says.
Homeless vets were also more likely to report higher levels of psychological distress (including PTSD), less contact with family and friends, engaging in risky behaviours (such as gambling and reckless driving), use of recreational drugs, arrest or conviction for a crime and a greater number of lifetime traumatic events.
The research revealed that homeless veterans are particularly reluctant to seek help from mainstream relief services, perhaps because of personal expectations of self-reliance. Only 39 per cent reached out for help, with women being more willing to ask for assistance and to request it at an earlier stage.
The survey results will provide further ammunition for former soldier and current independent Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie’s calls for a Royal Commission into the high rate of veteran suicides. Veteran homelessness and mental health will be key issues in any such enquiry.
On a side note: Agape was presented with an Anzac pin just before Christmas in recognition of supporting so many homeless vets, some that we are not even aware of.
A totally and permanently impaired veteran (TPI) can present a 24 ct gold Anvac pin to those supporting vets and these TPI’s have heard about our services being received by many vets who haven’t let us know that they have served our country. Agape is humbled and appreciative to recognised in this way.
Have you thought about linking in with Currumbin Clinic which support veterans. You may even connect with veterans who are in recovery who could reach out to other.through the clinic.
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