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More than 3,500 homeless veterans are slipping through the net each year, new campaign claims
Many homeless veterans are being missed by local authorities and are losing out on the support and housing available to them every year, according to a new campaign
The No Homeless Veterans campaign, which is backed by athlete and ex-Army sergeant Dame Kelly Holmes, is aiming to reduce veterans’ homelessness to as close to zero as possible.
It has called on local authorities, homelessness charities and advice agencies to work to identify former servicemen and women, and signpost them to the enhanced support services available to them.
The latest Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) homelessness data reveals that over the past year just 1,780 homeless veterans were identified by local authority housing services, out of 246,290 cases of homelessness recorded in the period – just 0.72% of accepted cases.
Studies suggest that up to 3% of people sleeping rough in England are ex-service personnel. But experts from the campaign warn that the number identified should be far higher and that more than 3,500 homeless veterans could be slipping through the net each year.
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Dame Kelly said: “Stable housing is key to helping adjust to all aspects of civilian life – work, family, health and wellbeing. I want to encourage others, and especially those on the frontline dealing with homelessness, to ‘think veteran’ and get ex-service personnel in need of help to the support available to them.”
According to a survey carried out by the campaign, 80% of the British public agree more needs to be done to identify and support veterans at risk of homelessness. The vast majority believe stable housing is important in helping veterans adjust to civilian life.
The campaign is being coordinated by supported housing provider Stoll and led by the Cobseo (Confederation of Service Charities) Housing Cluster, which co-ordinates the response of charities to homeless veterans. It is funded by the Forces in Mind Trust.
Ed Tytherleigh, co-chair at the Cobseo Housing Cluster, said: “Most veterans make a smooth transition from military to civilian life, but it is too easy for ex-service personnel, especially younger veterans and early service leavers, to end up homeless.
“We believe we can reduce the incidence of homelessness among veterans to as close to zero as possible. But this will only happen if we ensure we are effectively identifying veterans and providing a clear housing pathway.”
He added: “Together, we can end this shameful but avoidable situation.”
The figures only account for those the authorities deem homeless, and the true number of homeless people, including veterans, is likely to be much higher.
Kate Henderson, chief executive at the National Housing Federation, said: “The fact that there are still veterans sleeping in inappropriate accommodation, in hostels and on the streets means that the pledges made in the Armed Forces Covenant are not being honoured.
“The support and housing is there for veterans, but we need to make sure everyone who comes into contact with those in housing crisis recognises their circumstances and is aware of the help that is available.”
Cathy at 50 campaign
Our Cathy at 50 campaign calls on councils to explore Housing First as a default option for long-term rough sleepers and commission Housing First schemes, housing associations to identify additional stock for Housing First schemes and government to support five Housing First projects, collect evidence and distribute best practice.
