Homeless war heroes have called an £8.5 million initiative to get veterans off the streets and into employment a “drop in the ocean.”
In a bold proclamation, ministers committed to stop the disgraceful plague of homeless veterans within the next year.
As the government launched its new initiative, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with formerly homeless heroes in Number 10 to launch the campaign.
Operation Fortitude will provide veterans at danger of homelessness with access to essential assisted housing, wraparound specialized health care, education, and housing. It will debut early in the new year.
Veterans who claim they were abandoned by the country after leaving the service have welcomed the additional funding, but say it is insufficient to address the situation.
Right: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets ex-homeless veterans and charity leaders in Downing Street as the Government unveils its strategy to end military heroes sleeping rough by 2023.
The government launched an investment of £8.5 million to create 900 supportive housing units. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer is pictured on Monday conversing with visitors while Mr. Sunak looks on.
Former Lance Corporal Mick Dunbar, who served in Bosnia and Kosovo before to leaving the service in 2002, remarked, “£8.5 million is insufficient.” Veterans are dispersed around the country. More money should be provided.
These individuals served their country. They need to be cared for. This amount of cash is insignificant.
The 47-year-old veteran from Keighley, Yorkshire, said of the government’s vow to ensure no veteran is homeless by the end of 2023, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Until then, I don’t believe a damn thing.’
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer announced the injection of funds following concerns from organizations that housing and help for homeless ex-servicemen were facing a catastrophe.
More than a year ago, organizations providing mental health treatment to traumatized Iraq and Afghanistan veterans living in Catterick barracks warned they were close to running out of money.
The Riverside Group, a non-profit organization that operates the Catterick housing, stated that there was a “serious risk” of the majority of supported housing programs for veterans collapsing, which might have forced many brave heroes battling addiction back onto the streets.
Captain Mercer, a retired British Army officer, stated, following the Downing Street launch, that no one, even veterans, should be homeless.
Retired soldier Johnny Mercer, a member of parliament, stated that the government remained “dedicated to ending veteran homelessness by 2023.” On Wednesday, he is spotted at Downing Street.
The money provided by the government on Wednesday will fund services for two years at over 900 sites in England that provide supportive housing. Pictured are Mr. Mercer and the Prime Minister.
A homeless veteran shares his experience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, right, during a Wednesday meeting at Number 10.
“Therefore, we are committing £8.5 million in funding and supporting a dedicated pathway, established in collaboration with our charity partners, to ensure that veterans not only receive the housing assistance they require this holiday season, but also the vital support they need to get back on their feet.”
The government’s commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness by 2023 remains unwavering.
Between July and September, 131 military veterans slept rough in London, representing five percent of the city’s homeless population.
According to data from the Greater London Authority, 43 of them were British citizens. Charities estimate that up to 400 veterans sleep rough each year, and an additional 3,000 to 4,000 suffer homelessness in cars or abandoned structures.
The money provided by the government on Wednesday will fund services for two years at over 900 sites in England that provide supportive housing.
A new referral program will connect at-risk veterans with housing programs and specialized assistance.
Mr. Mercer stated that the funds would advance the government’s goal of eradicating veteran homelessness by the end of 2024 by one year.
The Riverside Group’s Director of Operations, Lee Buss-Blair, stated that the cash infusion would “make a major difference in the lives of disadvantaged veterans.”
Not only will it support the government’s resolve to end veteran homelessness, but it will also equip organizations with the tools to assist veterans in finding employment, he said.
Liam Cary entered the Army at the age of 16, but after leaving he was homeless for years. Liam is shown graduating from basic training.
Liam Cary, a former infantryman, is among thousands who have spent their time after leaving the military couch surfing.
The 27-year-old veteran with PTSD, who currently resides in assisted military housing in Walkden, Greater Manchester, stated, “This will be a lifeline for veterans, especially those who have been out for a while and feel forgotten about… it will save lives.”
Michael, a former member of the Royal Corps of Transport, has been assisted by Riverside at Hardwick House in Middlesbrough since April 2021.
Before his family got him a spot at Hardwick, he had spent at least two years living on the street or couch-surfing and turning to drink to cope with his despair.
He stated, “If I hadn’t come to Riverside, I would have been dead.” “It has been remarkable. They have helped me regain my footing. There should be more locations like this.
Maintaining funding for these locations will have a tremendous impact on veterans. It will provide a fresh start.
There are ex-squad members who believe they have failed, yet they have not. The government must invest funds. This event has been a long time in the making.
As the holiday season approaches, a new temporary support service has been introduced to provide homeless veterans with a place to stay over the winter.
Access to the program is available via a designated charity helpline at (01748) 833797.