The Armed Forces Covenant Trust has awarded over £255k to six projects across the UK, under the Development Grants and Refurbishment Grants programmes, on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund.
The Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund supports projects that contribute to the wider aim of ending Veterans’ homelessness by providing affordable and viable homes for Veterans. The six funded projects will help to refurbish homes to not only be warm, but energy efficient as well assisting in the early-stage development of new build projects.
Alabaré Christian Care and Support received £53,723 under the Refurbishment Grants programme, for their project ‘Homes for Veterans Refurbishment’. The project will increase the energy efficiency ratings of three of the organisation’s existing Homes for Veterans properties in Plymouth, Swansea and Pontypridd. This will enable Alabaré to reduce ongoing energy costs, improve the efficiency of the home for the Veterans, creating a warmer environment, plus, importantly, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Alabaré and its Homes for Veterans.
Speaking about the grant, Kirsty Scullion, Partnership and Income Generation Manager at Alabaré said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for the grant that will enable us to improve our homes for Veterans and help increase environmental efficiency standards across several homes in Wales and England. This grant will enable us to use the services of local companies and increase our sustainable practices to create more energy-efficient living spaces for those who have bravely served our nation.”
Jimmy is living with Alabaré and is trying to rebuild his relationship with his family after finding himself homeless after a period in rehab. Today, Jimmy attends AA meetings several times a week. He is a determined individual who is a great role model:
“I am eternally grateful for the help that Alabaré has provided; it’s amazing, the accommodation is fantastic, and it’s a nice house. Everyone has been very supportive of my life, but it is all about recovery right now. I do the art sessions, and I get fresh air on a daily basis.’’
The Trust also made three awards under the Development Grants programme, which focuses on projects that assist in the development of new build projects that will offer high quality support for Veterans with a housing need.
Hull 4 Heroes received £25,000 for their project ‘Veterans’ Village’. The grant will assist with the planning and development of a Veterans’ Village including housing units and community and support hubs. Hull 4 Heroes CEO, Paul Matson BEM, said: “This grant is a crucial step in bringing to life a special place for Veterans and their families who need support when transitioning from military to civilian life– The Veterans Village.
“The village will create a community that supports our Armed Forces community in every way. From having a place to live to connecting with like-minded people and accessing important services, this project aims to provide a solid foundation for Veterans, serving personnel and their families to build their new lives, in a fully supportive environment.”
Sonia Howe, Director Policy and Communications at the Trust, said: “These projects are an exciting development towards enhancing quality of life and provision for Veterans with a housing need. They will assist in the refurbishment or extension of rental accommodation, and in the development of new build projects, to offer high quality support.
“We hope the impact of these awards will extend beyond the initial works, to provide a meaningful and long-lasting difference to the lives of Veterans most in need.”