Article by Jessica Evensen, courtesy of Perth Now.
WA’s first targeted accommodation program for veterans has finally opened.
Sir Valston Hancock House opened at 8 Richardson Street, South Perth, on October 3, almost a year after the site was purchased by Hancock Prospecting.
The facility has been named after former RAAFA leader Sir Valston Hancock — the uncle of Hancock Prospecting’s Gina Rinehart — and has nine two-bedroom apartments, housing up to 25 veterans over the course of a year.
The accommodation — which is backed by RAAFA and RSL WA — will have “everything a veteran needs to get back on their feet” including a TV, toaster, fridge, bed and linen.
Veterans will also work with a program manager to “uncover their needs” to help transition back to civilian life.
“Sir Valston Hancock House has everything a veteran needs to get back on their feet and transition to long-term, stable housing … all a veteran needs to bring is their clothes,” RAAFA customer and community chief Aaron Crowther told PerthNow.
“We know too often veterans don’t ask for help. Sir Valston Hancock House is about bringing help to them.
“Each veteran faces their own set of challenges when returning from service life as a civilian and we see it as our responsibility to help them find the appropriate support to help them get back on their feet.
“Applying the housing-first model, Sir Valston Hancock House provides a safe space for veterans and helps connect them with the appropriate support to transition back into civilian life.”
Veteran Alex said the facility had changed his life.
“I was totally surprised when I first walked in the door at Sir Valston Hancock House and everything that I needed was here; all I needed to bring was my clothes,” he said.
“I was homeless and living in my car and it took a month to get all my records together to be eligible to move into suitable accommodation.
“This experience has improved my life; it’s easier for me to connect with my children and by living here I’m closer to hospitals, which makes it easier for me to attend medical appointments that I need.”
RAAFA CEO Michelle Fyfe said the service would make an incredible difference to veterans who struggled to find accommodation and were at risk of homelessness.
“We are thrilled to be officially opening the doors to Sir Valston Hancock House today as part of a proud partnership with RSL WA, made possible by the generosity of Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting,” she said.
