Veterans facing homelessness is a "silent crisis" in our community, according to Baw Baw Veterans and Families Centre manager Ben Vahland.
Amid the regional housing crisis impacting a diverse cross-section of residents are veterans needing homes.
"When we think of veterans, we picture courage, sacrifice, and service to our nation. But what happens after their service ends? For too many, the return to civilian life is filled with hardship - especially when it comes to finding and keeping a stable home," he said.
In his welfare role with the RSL, Mr Vahland hears the struggles for housing firsthand. Mr Vahland said veterans were over-represented in the homeless population.
While local numbers were difficult to track, Mr Vahland said some veterans in Baw Baw Shire were quietly struggling - some living in cars, couch surfing, or sleeping rough.
"These are people who have served our country, are often living under incredibly difficult conditions.
"Many return with mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Some live with physical injuries. Others feel isolated, unemployed, or without a strong support network.
"The lack of adequate transition from service including proper debriefing also heavily contributes," he said.
Mr Vahland said the regional housing crisis and challenge to find affordable, local housing "only makes things harder" for veterans.
As well as increasing rental prices, affordable housing becoming more scarce and social housing waitlists growing, Mr Vahland said veteran-specific support services were limited.
"This is a silent crisis - and it's happening in our neighbourhoods.
"We must do more than thank our veterans, we must support them," he said.
Mr Vahland called for investment in veteran-specific housing and outreach programs.
He said mental health support to veterans needed to be expanded and there needed to be stronger community partnerships between RSLs and housing services.
Mr Vahland called on stakeholders to continue to work together to ensure no veteran in Baw Baw Shire was left without a place to call home.
"Homelessness is not a personal failure. It is a system failure.
"It is a community responsibility. We each have a role to play - whether it's raising awareness, supporting local services or through volunteering or donating.
"We are very lucky in the Baw Baw shire to have an overwhelmingly generous community who support the ANZAC badge and Poppy appeals to raise much needed funds for us at the Warragul RSL to be able to support veterans in need," he said.
Warragul RSL will soon open the Baw Baw Veterans and Families Centre, which Mr Vahland said would be a vital resource for providing assistance to veterans in applying for their entitlements and benefits.
"More importantly, it will become a welcoming point of contact for veterans in need, a place where they can connect with the services and people who can truly help. It represents hope, community, and action - exactly what is needed to address the complex issue of veteran homelessness," he said.
