Preventing Homelessness for Veterans

We launched this appeal two years ago, and the response has been wonderful - even though nearly all of those we have helped know absolutely nothing about the heart searching, the hard work, the sheer determination and kindness from our donors and our team that make the work we do possible.

The stories continue to be heart breaking and heart warming; daily miracles of kindness, thought, empathy and 'doing'.  The honesty and trust that comes from asking for help when you feel you do not deserve it; that somehow the 'not coping' is shameful and blame worthy.  After all 'everyone else' has such a glamorous succesful life - particularly as social media somehow makes even the awful look 'air brushed' awful.

Reality is well, real.  The gift of giving is very real, as is the wonder of receiving.  And you need one for the other to be successful which is where we come in.  We, through personal contact with those seeking help, turn your very hard earned cash and donations into housing, warmth, kindness, support and the power to help others cope and turn their lives around.

In his 5th decade Veteran P is in full-time employment BUT with his relationship ending, he tried to commit suicide and was hospitalised.  Subsequently diagnosed with bi-polar and with depressive episodes during the winter, he has had support from the local mental health team, and his employer is supporting him by reducing his hours but keeping him in employment.  Given the current situation, with his house up for sale, Veteran P is 'staying with family'.  Unfortunately the house sale will put Veteran P outside the financial criteria of being able to get any social housing or sheltered accommodation.  The strain has been such that it made it impossible for Veteran P to stay 'with the family' thus becoming homeless   Your support has enabled us to support Veteran P in getting suitable veteran accommodation whilst we sort out his benefits and help him budget and come to terms with his life.

November to March is quite simply the most difficult time for us in terms of meeting need; it is made worse this year by the cost of living crisis, and the fact that so many other organisations now deliver support virtually and at a distance.  Working with homelessness, with the situations on the ground that we now find ourselves in, needs a certain determination, belief in the human spirit - that it is possible for one's life to get better whilst overcoming one's personal horror stories.  Particularly in light of current events and the focus on war and its horrors.

Please help us to keep on making an uplifiting, positive difference.  Even the conversations we have with those we support can help them turn their lives around.  We cannot do it without your support.  Every single pound and dollar that you send us counts.