Once again, it is the time of year where many focus their thoughts on the service and sacrifices made by so many for our liberty and security. As members of the Armed Forces Covenant, we passionately believe in moral commitment held by all of society to support those commit to serve on our behalf. As re remember the fallen and those who did not return from conflict, we must also honour our commitments to those who did, especially those who now struggle carrying the mental and physical scars of their service.
We believe that a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep is amongst the least our veterans should expect. Yet homelessness among military veterans in England rose by 14% in 2023. This was confirmed by a recent report from the department of housing which stated that in 2023, 2,110 households with someone who served in the armed forces were assessed as homeless which is up from 1,850 in 2022. Even though the government has tried to support homeless veterans through it’s new scheme Op FORTITUDE the figures still do not make for good reading and the effects of seeing so many homeless soldiers in our major cities across the UK is considered an indication of a broken society. The task to rectify the problem is not easy as many of the organisations that help homeless soldiers seem to be spread out with some areas not receiving the same level of support as others.
East Midlands Energy Efficiency, as part of DMH Assessments Ltd, is proud to be teaming up with businesses the length and bredth of the country to challenge this national disgrace. The Homeless Soldier project will look to assist as many homeless veterans charities as it can, ranging from the smaller more specific organisations that work on the front line to the larger charitable institutions that aim to reintegrate soldiers back into society. It is the aim of the project to help make a difference by providing financial support wherever it is needed most so that it can provide the best possible outcome to the individual homeless soldiers themselves.
