More than £8.5 million announced in funding to help support homeless veterans
More than £8.5 million in funding has been announced that is aimed at helping to support homeless veterans.
The money will provide funding to charities supporting services at more than 900 housing units providing specialist care to veterans.
The new money will also allow for a new referral scheme, named Op Fortitude, to be established.
This will enable veterans vulnerable to homelessness to have access to housing support and specialist wrap-around care in health, housing and education.
Working with the charities, the additional £8.5m will provide a central point for local authorities and charities to identify those in need and provide them with a network of support.
Johnny Mercer, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, said the Government remains "steadfastly committed to ending veteran homelessness in 2023".
"No one, not least those who have served this country, should be homeless," he said.
"That's why today we are committing £8.5m in funding and supporting a dedicated pathway, set up in collaboration with our charity partners, so veterans can not only get the housing support they need this Christmas, but also the vital backing required to help them get on their feet again."
Mr Mercer had previously worked with the veteran housing charity sector before the announcement of the additional funding to establish a temporary referral scheme in England and Scotland for Christmas.
The scheme can be accessed through a dedicated charity helpline, on the number 01748 833797 - with the goal of the scheme to ensure no veteran who seeks support is homeless at Christmas.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunakis also set to hold an event at Downing Street, attended by charities and previously homeless veterans, to discuss the issue of veteran homelessness and how the Government can better support those who need help.
Lee Buss-Blair, the Director of Operations for The Riverside Group, and Member of the Veterans Advisory Board, said the funding will make a "significant difference" to vulnerable veterans.
"Not only will it support the Government's commitment to end veteran rough sleeping, but it will also provide organisations the resources to support veterans into work," he said.
"Veterans have so much to offer employers and communities, and thanks to this funding, providers will be far better placed to support them to realise their potential."
The Government hopes the funding will ensure the pledge in the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan 2022-24 to end veteran rough sleeping within this Parliament is delivered a year early.
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