How many Australian veterans are homeless? Reporting prevalence findings and method from a national study

Abstract

This article presents findings from an Australian study of veteran homelessness (Hilferty, Katz et al. 2019). The AHURI Inquiry into Homelessness Amongst Australian Veterans was funded by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to estimate the number of homeless veterans and to examine veterans' pathways into homelessness, service usage patterns and ways that service responses may be improved. This article presents the prevalence findings and describes the method employed by the research team. Drawing on primary data and extrapolating results to a larger sample of veterans, the researchers estimate that approximately 5,800 contemporary veterans experience homelessness over a 12‐month period in Australia. This estimate – the first ever to be based on primary data – indicates that veteran homelessness is a much larger problem than previously estimated and deserves priority attention from policymakers and sectoral representatives.

Veteran homelessness in Australia: What do we know? What has been done? What do we need to do?

“…The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) is the national peak body representing registered not-for-profit social and affordable housing providers to policy and key decision makers in the Federal Government and its agencies. Motivated by Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) research commissioned by DVA 17 that found veterans were less likely to access mainstream services and reported high rates of dissatisfaction with services provided, CHIA together with RSL Care SA, have been collaborating to strengthen housing responses for homeless veterans. This research also identified that pathways to veteran homelessness, while similar to those of the general homeless population, also differ in that there can be a very rapid descent into homelessness for veterans once they separate from the ADF.…”

“…10 Moreover, the risk factors for veteran homelessness, such as the presence of mental disorders, including substance use disorders, overlap with those for suicide. 10,13,14 What has been done?…”

“…While there is no definitive source of information on the prevalence of veterans’ homelessness in Australia, it has been suggested that veterans are overrepresented in the homeless population of Australia, with 5800 veterans estimated to be homeless over a 12 month period. 14 Another study found that 5.6% of people sleeping rough in Australia were veterans, with veterans more likely to spend longer periods of time sleeping rough. 15 Also, 1300 persons who identified as current or former serving members of the ADF were assisted by Specialist Homeless Services in 2020–21 with 54% identifying as homeless and 46% at risk of homelessness.…”

Poverty and Australian housing: findings from an Investigative Panel

“…• Provision of rental subsidies for young people and military veterans at risk of homelessness (Hilferty, Katz et al 2019), women who have experienced domestic and family violence, and other groups. Given the high demand and waiting lists for social housing, support for people in the private rental market is increasingly important to housing support.…”