Twelve innovative projects will share almost £4.5 million thanks to funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs’ Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund.
The awards cover England, Scotland and Wales and contribute to the Government’s ambition to reduce veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.
Eight awards worth £4.2 million were awarded under the Major Capital Grants programme, which supports new build accommodation and significant refurbishment and extension of accommodation.
In Leicester, Action Homeless have been awarded £295,039 to provide veterans experiencing homelessness with high quality housing, support and opportunities to build connections with the community, enabling them to prepare for and secure a permanent home. Temporary housing, advice, guidance and connecting with like-minded peers will help to prevent a cycle of homelessness developing.
Eilidh Stringer from Action Homeless explains:
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to create purpose-built homes that have been designed based on the needs of veterans in our community so that we can support them in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Our project is just getting off the ground and we’re very excited to see it evolve and develop over the coming months. It simply would not have been possible without the support of The Armed Forces Covenant Trust and we’re incredibly grateful.”
A further 4 awards have been made under the Refurbishment Grants programme, which offers grants up to £75,000 for refurbishment and extension work to current veteran accommodation.
Worth a total of £208,256, these projects will undertake work, including improved energy efficiency, refurbed kitchens, bathrooms and furniture, adaptations for disabled veterans, and access to mental health support as part of the accommodation package.
Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Anna Wright, talks about the difference these grants can make:
“The Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund goes beyond providing shelter. These latest awards represent a package of support that begins with a home and ultimately enables veterans to start along a path to the life they want to live.”
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
“We owe a profound duty to veterans who have served our country. The Armed Forces sets most people up for success, but it is only right that where veterans need support, the Government steps up.
“Today’s announcement of nearly £4.5 million in grants through the Veteran Capital Housing Fund, on top of Op FORTITUDE, will help fix the postcode lottery of housing support. The scheme has already helped over 900 veterans into new homes, and we’re determined to build on its success.”
