Log In/Register

Emergency Housing for Veterans: Helping Homeless Veterans UK

Created on 23 Jan 2025

•

Updated on 27 Jan 2025

Pre-covid estimates indicate between 100 and 400 veterans sleep rough every year and a further 3,000 to 4,000 face homelessness. Ensuring ‘veterans have a secure place to live either through buying, renting or social housing’ by 2028 is a target within the Government’s Strategy for Veterans and is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of transition into civilian life. But it can be an incredibly difficult transition for some veterans. If you find yourself needing emergency accommodation and you’re in danger of becoming homeless - help is out there. 

EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION

If you are in need of emergency accommodation, there are a number of charities and organisations who can help:

  • Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO): As well as offering housing advice while you are still serving, the JSHAO runs the MOD’s referral scheme where they can help find you a housing association home. You can apply if you're: single and living in a hostel within 6 months of leaving the forces and a married or a separated spouse still living in Services Family Accommodation. 
  • Shelter: Shelter is the leading UK’s homeless charity and can offer you advice and support if you find yourself homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. 
  • Local Authority: You can contact your local council for help. They have a legal duty to help certain people and you may qualify for emergency housing if you are classed as vulnerable.
  • SPACES: If you are single and in-need of further housing support, we recommend you get in touch with the Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services. They can help you to find suitable accommodation, regardless of where you are based in the UK. 
  • Haig Housing: A leading housing charity providing housing specifically for ex-military personnel and their families. 

Support is not limited to these organisations, there are a number of other military charities and organisations who can help. You can search to find local support here.


For further housing advice, read A Helping Hand to Finding You a Home in Civvy Street and sign up to Troopr for help, guidance and housing opportunities.