Ali goes into battle for veterans facing homelessness
- deansimpson7
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
BY SIMONE WORTHING
Veteran homelessness is an urgent issue in Australia, affecting thousands of former servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to defending the nation.
The Salvation Army has been taking significant steps to address this crisis for many years and continues to do so today.
Guided by the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, The Salvation Army is implementing targeted initiatives to support veterans in need and to train those who support them.
Captain Ali McKeand, Defence Veterans Ministries Coordinator for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services, and a Royal Australian Air Force chaplain, emphasises that their work is driven by the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
“The recommendations are out, funding has been made available, and we are aligning them with who we are as an organisation,” she says.
For veterans transitioning out of the military, the challenges of homelessness, mental health and financial instability can be overwhelming. Many also face struggles with alcohol and drug dependency and the difficulty of reintegrating into civilian life.
“The defence community has served our country, and at the end of the day, they need our help,” says Ali. “It’s not easy to seek help. We want our veterans to know they are not alone.”
Strategic support To enhance its impact, The Salvation Army is fostering partnerships with other Salvation Army departments as well as government agencies, veteran affairs groups and other organisations.
Ali’s role involves strengthening these connections to maximise resources and provide comprehensive support to veterans.
“This is happening organically, and we share the same vision with those we’re trying to partner with,” she says.
READ MORE: Supporting the nation’s troops
The Salvation Army is also working to improve the training of its chaplains who interact with veterans.
Understanding the unique challenges that former military personnel face is crucial to providing effective assistance.
“It takes a different type of understanding,” Ali explains. “This is what we want the training to do – ensure chaplains understand veteran differences and can properly support them and their families.”
Homelessness crisis Homelessness among veterans is particularly concerning, with statistics showing that 5.3 per cent of veterans experience homelessness compared to 1.9 per cent of the general population (Australian Housing Institute).
The transition from military to civilian life can be extremely difficult, particularly for those discharged for medical reasons. Many young veterans who leave the service unexpectedly struggle to find stable housing and employment, compounding their vulnerability.
“These young veterans have their whole lives ahead of them,” Ali explains. “They are struggling with their identity, and many suffer in silence. Tragically, the suicide statistics are not going down.
READ MORE: A new response for the forgotten veterans
“This can be hard for the Australian public to understand, especially as ‘veterans’ are often associated with older servicemen and women who have seen years of wartime service. Many from that cohort, who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East, are also still struggling.”
Salvation Army programs such as Moneycare and Employment Plus are being adapted to meet the specific needs of veterans. The Salvation Army is also exploring opportunities to expand its work specifically in veteran homelessness beyond Queensland, recognising that it is a nationwide issue.
A call to action Ali encourages involvement at the local level.
“Look at your local area – see if there are veterans connected to your community or church. If there is a need, start something. It could be a playgroup for defence families or another community initiative. We’ll give you the training and support you need,” she explains.
Ali has been serving with the Salvos in defence for eight years.
“I live and breathe defence and love what I do she shares. “Part of why I do this is to show my children that sharing the love of Jesus and making a difference can be hard, but it does bring change.
“The veterans have trusted us in defence, will they trust us out of it?”
