Homelessness Week 2026 runs from 3–9 August.

It is an opportunity to shine a light on the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and the difference that safe, secure and affordable housing can make. This year's theme, ‘Homelessness Action Now’, highlights the need for practical action to ensure everyone has a place to call home.

Throughout the week communities across Australia will come together to raise awareness, advocate for solutions that help prevent and end homelessness by sharing stories like the one we’ve shared below.

In 1932, First World War veteran William J. Hawkins founded the Carry On Club on a simple but powerful principle, ‘do good by stealth’.

For 94 years, Carry On, now known as Veteran Housing Australia (VHA) has delivered practical support with dignity and humility, without fanfare. Its mission is to directly address one of the most significant drivers of veteran vulnerability, housing insecurity.

VHA is a registered community housing provider (CHP) dedicated exclusively to veterans and families of veterans. It currently owns or operates housing in Victoria and Western Australia, with plans to expand and provide housing resources across the country.

Chief Executive Officer and Australian Army veteran Robert Miller says VHA operates under a housing first model with no preconditions of entry or minimum income threshold.

'Housing goes to those most in need, regardless of what they’re going through,' he said.

'Every veteran deserves a safe place to sleep.'

Much like Rob, many of VHA’s staff and volunteers are members of the veteran community themselves. This creates a strong sense of purpose and an ability to connect with veterans and families experiencing housing stress.  

A recent VHA tenant expressed their gratitude, thanking VHA for ‘the home provided to me, my wife and child.’  

‘For more than 6 years this house has been more than just a place to live; it has been a safe and stable home where we have been able to grow together as a family,’ they said.     

Veterans experiencing housing stress are more likely to face declining health, disconnection from family and community, difficulty engaging with support services, as well as barriers to employment, education, and long-term independence.  

That is why housing is foundational to wellbeing.  

If you, your family, or someone you know is experiencing housing stress, search our service directory for local support or call 1800 823 922.  

Visit Homelessness Australia for more information and further support.  

Image courtesy of Veteran Housing Australia. Art by Barry Spicer Art.