When Air Force veteran James McLellan learned a group of former diggers were sleeping rough in Logan, he couldn’t sit idly by.
A year later, his homeless veteran’s program is raising thousands of dollars and donating goods to vulnerable locals across the city.
In June 2023, Mr McLellan received a call from a local councillor, letting him know of some veterans sleeping rough in Kingston.
“To find out that there were fellow veterans out there doing it tough was heartbreaking, I knew we needed to do something about it,” Mr MclLellan said.
“We connected with a few local organisations and charities that were already assisting people experiencing homelessness to help us identify any who might also be a veteran so we could connect and offer support.
“Veterans all share a unique history, and it is important for all of us to support one another so that no one is left behind.”
He said if there were members of the veteran community experiencing homelessness in Kingston, there might be more in other parts of the city.
With the help of Springwood Tri Services RSL sub-Branch and RSL Queensland, Mr McLellan developed the Homelessness Veterans’ Program.
The program provides veterans with the resources to access short term accommodation, food, or even a friendly conversation.
It is funded by donations from raffles at community events.
“Recently we conducted a raffle at a local festival and the event organisers also donated a portion of their entry fee to our program – this saw us raise $1,500 in one day,” Mr McLellan said.
The program has also partnered with 15 other organisations to boost its reach.
“Fishers of Men and Rosies Friends on the Street have been particularly supportive of us, and consistently provide veterans they meet with our contact details,” Mr McLellan said.
“Some of our sub-Branch members have also been out volunteering with these organisations at street meets, ensuring those who attend are aware of the services we and RSL Queensland can provide.
“Recently, we donated 20 sleeping bags to both organisations to support their efforts in assisting those who are facing homelessness.”
Mr McLellan also serves at the Springwood RSL branch presidents.
He said he hoped to inspire other RSL sub-Branches to get involved with their local community, to find and provide support to those veterans doing it tough.
“I hope to encourage other RSL sub-Branches to reach out to their local councillors and uncover what organisations are out there in their area serving those in need, to see what extra support would be beneficial,” he said.
“After all, we are family and must continue to support each other.”
