Op FORTITUDE: A New Hope for Homeless Veterans in the UK

It is a deeply disheartening and troubling reality that we often hear about veterans living in homelessness or struggling to make ends meet. These individuals have selflessly dedicated their lives to serving their country, and the fact that they find themselves in such dire circumstances is an injustice that should never happen in any country. It is the responsibility of governments to ensure that their veterans are properly taken care of, providing them with the support and resources they need to lead dignified lives after their service.

In the United Kingdom, there is a growing recognition of the urgent need to address veteran homelessness. The government has taken significant steps to tackle this issue and has recently launched a new initiative called Op FORTITUDE. This groundbreaking programme includes a dedicated referral pathway and a government-funded hotline, providing homeless veterans the help they need to secure stable housing.

Op FORTITUDE, part of a two-year £8.55 million programme, is a first-of-its-kind hotline that serves as a single point of contact for homeless veterans, including those sleeping on the streets. Operated by social housing provider Riverside Group, the £500,000 housing hotline connects veterans with a network of support, including housing providers, charities, and local authorities. This initiative aims to streamline the process of accessing assistance and ensure that veterans receive tailored and local care.

The government’s commitment to ending veteran rough sleeping is outlined in the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan 2022-24. The plan sets the intention to achieve this goal within the current Parliament, and thanks to new funding, it is expected to be accomplished ahead of schedule. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, emphasizes the importance of providing a place veterans can call home, stating that the launch of Op FORTITUDE is a significant milestone in ending veteran homelessness and demonstrates the government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises.

The programme is designed to support 1,300 vulnerable veterans over two years across nearly 60 housing complexes ranging from apartment blocks to shared houses. Nine housing providers are involved in this effort, targeting specific challenges faced by veterans to help them regain stability and thrive in civilian life. Wraparound services, such as specialist medical care, connections with local communities, and employment assistance, are integral to the holistic support provided by these projects.

By September, all nine projects will be ready to accept referrals from Op FORTITUDE, expanding the network of housing providers from 10 to 14. This includes collaborating with Veteran Homes Scotland, connecting to a network of 650 homes across Scotland, and establishing a housing consortium across the North West of England.

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has published guidance on gov to further support veterans in securing housing. The UK. This comprehensive guide outlines the housing options and supports available to veterans, service leavers, and their families in England. It assists veterans and housing providers determine the most suitable course of action and ensures that no veteran is left without the necessary information and resources.

The government’s commitment to addressing veteran homelessness goes beyond the launch of Op FORTITUDE. In the 2023 Spring Budget, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs secured £20 million for the Veterans Housing Capital Fund. This fund aims to provide additional housing for veterans by developing new builds and refurbishing social and charitable housing dedicated to veterans.

While ending veteran homelessness is undoubtedly formidable, the launch of Op FORTITUDE and the accompanying initiatives represent significant progress. Collaboration across sectors is key to achieving success, and the support of the government, housing providers, charities, and local authorities is crucial in ensuring that veterans receive the care they deserve.

Governments worldwide must recognize the moral obligation to care for their veterans. These brave men and women have sacrificed their lives, leaving their families and risking their well-being to protect their nations. Providing comprehensive support, including stable housing, is the least we can do to honour their service and ensure they are never left homeless or struggling to make ends meet. It is a responsibility that must be upheld, as no veteran should ever face homelessness or a life of hardship after selflessly dedicating themselves to serving their country.

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and the organizations working with them are encouraged to contact the Op FORTITUDE hotline at 0800 952 0774 or through a secure web portal at riv.org.uk/opfortitude.