This will not be easy. This government inherited a homelessness crisis. Amongst the population as a whole, rough sleeping and households in temporary accommodation have more than doubled since 2010. It is difficult to know for sure how many veterans are sleeping rough and whilst measures we do have suggest veteran homelessness is very low, probably less than 1% of the total number of homeless, nonetheless we can be sure that the wider crisis is affecting veterans too.
Whilst local authorities already have a duty to house veterans who are homeless as a result of their service, we must also be aware of the unique challenges veterans face in accessing help. Reports claim veterans may wait longer to ask for support, often struggling to navigate complex systems or unaware of services available to them. They are also reportedly more reluctant to utilise mainstream support through local councils or charities, due to a strong culture of self-reliance and a preference from some for seeking help from peers with shared military experience who they think better understand their specific needs.
That’s why Op FORTITUDE is vital to our mission. It brings together local authorities, charities and veteran organisations to work with individual veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness – supporting them either with advice and guidance to maintain their current home, or into suitable veterans supported housing.
The results speak for themselves. Op FORTITUDE has helped hundreds of veterans off the streets and into stable accommodation. But more than that, it connects them with the wider support they need to get back on their feet – from mental health services to employment advice. It recognises that tackling veteran homelessness isn’t just about providing a roof; it’s about addressing the complex challenges that many veterans face after service.
We’ve also acted to ensure the future of the service. After the Big Issue’s recent reporting on the future of Op FORTITUDE, I’m pleased to tell readers that we have now committed to new funding to put it on a sustainable footing, because we believe every veteran deserves this safety net.
On top of this, we are investing £12m to continue vital homelessness services through the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme.
We’ve also launched VALOUR, a new £50m programme giving veterans easier access to the essential care and support available to them. Because housing security must go hand-in-hand with access to healthcare, employment and community support.
To every veteran reading this: you served your country with courage and commitment. Now it’s our turn to serve you and ensure that every veteran has a safe place to call home.
Louise Sandher-Jones is the government’s minister for veterans and people.
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