RAAFA's Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Program

On 16 February 2022, RAAFA launched the Andrew Russell Veteran's Living (ARVL) program in Western Australia, based on an established program in South Australia. RAAFA aims to provide purpose-built accommodation to house veterans in Perth who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

Our Mission

• To reduce the number of veterans who are currently experiencing homelessness in WA.
• Provide emergency accommodation to veterans that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
• To assist veterans with access to established government and NGO services to support independence and wellbeing.

RAAFA is currently in Phase 3 of the project ‘Fundraising for Construction'. Funding is now being sought through a number of revenue streams and you can be part of the solution by donating.

RAAFA's ARVL emergency accommodation will consist of 16 units in the suburb of Cannington, designed to provide temporary accommodation for veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need of transit accommodation. The program will operate using an adapted housing-first solution with the primary goal focusing on housing pathways to assist veterans in securing permanent housing.

A simple and powerful way to make a big difference.

Donate to RAAFA's Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program

Who was Andrew Russell?

Sergeant Andrew Russell was a South Australian born Special Air Service (SAS) soldier who was killed in Afghanistan in February 2002. 33-year-old SGT Russell was from the Perth-based SAS Regiment and, tragically, lost his life after the long-range patrol vehicle he was travelling in, struck a suspected anti-vehicle mine. SGT Russell's passing was the first Australian military death in action since the Vietnam War.

SGT Andrew Russell was husband to Kylie, father to Leisa, and a proud Australian Defence Force (ADF) member who served from November 1986 until February 2002. The RAAFA ARVL program is named in his honour. The launch in 2022 marked 20 years since SGT Russell's passing.

"Andrew lived his life to the full and passionately loved his job" - Biography of Sergeant Russell