The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.
The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.
Current findings from the RVH programme
Following on from the initial awards made in July 2023, the Trust commissioned Alma Economics to consult with key stakeholders in the housing sector, including those awarded funds in the first round. Key recommendations from this consultation include:
- A need for increased support for veterans with acute, complex or multiple support needs.
- Promoting a needs-based approach to support provision.
- Addressing bottlenecks across the lifecycle of support provision.
- A focus on partnership working.
Both the RVH interim programme evaluation report and the summary of consultation findings are available to read on the Trust’s website.
Further funding available
Under this new round of the RVH programme, charities, local authorities and registered social housing providers can apply for up to £300,000 towards a project delivered for up to nine months.
There is also an opportunity for organisations to apply for an enhanced award of up to a further £200,000 where that work will fill a significant level of unmet need.
What applicants will need to show
Projects should improve the capacity of services in supported housing to better help veterans with a range of different needs. Full details of the programme priorities are mapped out in a Programme Guidance document available on the Trust’s website.
Op Fortitude
Funded projects will need to work with Op Fortitude, a UK wide referral pathway supporting homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, into housing.