New funding for homeless veterans welcomed by Salisbury charity
Alabaré says Government is taking the issue of veteran homelessness "seriously"
A local charity's welcomed new funding from the Government which seeks to end homelessness for veterans in 2023.
A newly announced package worth £8.55m will fund an extra 900 bed spaces in England.
The scheme, which will involve working with relevant charities, will also seek to improve health access, as well as education and employment opportunities, for UK veterans.
Alabaré, which support vulnerable people and veterans find temporary accommodation in Salisbury and across the wider region, says it shows the Government taking the issue of veteran homelessness "seriously".
Andrew Lord, Chief Executive at Alabaré, says:
“We are delighted that the Government is taking the issue of veteran homelessness seriously and giving a commitment to ensuring vital support is available for those who have served our country in their hour of need."
The charity runs 19 homes across England and Wales, and receives most of its funding directly from central Government.
It also runs accompanying support services which are dependent on charitable donations from other charities and individuals in order to run.
Alabaré have two Homes for Veterans in Salisbury.
“At Alabaré, we have been supporting veterans through our bespoke Homes for Veterans programme for over 13 years", says Chief Executive, Andrew Lord.
"Every day we see the difference that having support from people who understand the difficulties faced by veterans makes to our ex-Armed Forces residents.
"I hope that this funding means that in the future, no veteran ever has to face the trauma of being homeless but always has the support they need. Collectively we can end veteran homelessness for good.”
Minister of Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer, said he and the Government are committed to working with charity partners to ensure that no veteran is homeless this Christmas and to end veteran homelessness for good in 2023.