This month, the first veteran moved into a CHC Australia home, marking a significant milestone in a new partnership between the Returned & Services League ACT (RSL ACT) and CHC to provide long-term housing in the Canberra region for those who have served.
Community housing provider CHC Australia and RSL ACT have established a priority program for service men and women in rental stress, giving veterans and their families access to homes in CHC Australia’s existing portfolio, with the first tenant moving into Harrison in Canberra’s north-east. The model will also be integrated into new developments, representing up to 5 per cent of CHC’s upcoming projects.
Under the model, veterans can rent a CHC home for less than 75 per cent of market rates. In addition, some income-based properties will be offered at even lower rates – typically between 25 and 30 per cent of household income – to support long-term affordability and housing stability.
While the program will be open to a range of service personnel and their families, early tenants are expected to be primarily single parents.
CHC Australia recognises the distinct and often complex challenges veterans face in the housing system. The organisation has partnered with RSL ACT to help design and implement a dedicated Veteran Housing Priority Access Model, backed by CHC’s team and Board, which include individuals with personal and professional connections to Australia’s Defense community.
CHC Australia CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “Veterans face some of the highest barriers in the housing system. Together with RSL ACT, we are creating a pathway that doesn’t leave them behind. We are proud to be working with RSL ACT and are committed to building this pilot into a scalable, long-term response to veterans’ housing needs. This partnership strengthens both organisations and delivers what matters most: an affordable home for someone who has served, and a foundation for many more to follow.”
RSL ACT President Peter Baldwin said: “The RSL exists to support veterans and their families, and access to safe and affordable housing is one of the most fundamental needs we hear about every day. We welcome this partnership with CHC Australia, which will deliver practical support to those who have served. Initiatives like this strengthen the wellbeing of veterans and their families and demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together with purpose.”
More than 22,000 veterans live in the ACT, with more than 15,000 no longer serving in the forces*. Despite their service, veterans continue to face acute housing challenges with homelessness rates nearly three times higher than those of civilians, but remain significantly underrepresented in formal housing support services.
The model aligns with priorities set by the ACT Government, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, as well as national funding programs such as the National Housing Infrastructure Facility.
To support access to the program, veterans will be guided through the application process including information sessions and one-on-one assistance.
For more information or to discuss your options, please contact the CHC Australia team on 02 6248 7716 or via chc@chcaustralia.com.au; or contact the The Returned and Services League Australian Capital Territory (RSL ACT) office on (02) 9161 7690 or admin@actrsl.org.au
About CHC Australia
CHC Australia is dedicated to enabling more people to live in safe, quality and affordable homes. The Tier 1 registered Community Housing Provider, operating for more than 25 years, is the largest provider of affordable and social housing based in Canberra. CHC Australia delivers tenancy management, property management, client services, community development and affordable home ownership.
*Sources:
ACT Office for Veterans – ACT Government
Veteran Homelessness Support — RSL Australia — RSL Australia