At an event in Edinburgh, celebrating the work of Housing Options Scotland, it was announced that the Veterans’ Foundation will be financially supporting the organisations unique Military Matters project until March 2021.
Since its inception in 2012, Housing Options Scotland’s Military Matters project has helped and advised over 1000 members of the Armed Forces to find the right home in the right place in all 32 local authorities in Scotland.
The project, the only one of its kind in Scotland and provides in depth one to one support to veterans, currently serving personnel, their families and dependants to find the right home in the right place throughout the country. The organisations unique approach enables people to explore renting and buying options, and provides the support to make these options a reality. All of this advice is provided by expert staff who understand the distinct needs of members of the Armed Forces community.
Housing Options Scotland Celebration Event at Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh.
Photograph by Martin Shields
Tel 07572 457000
www.martinshields.com
© Martin Shields
Support from the Veterans’ Foundation will enable Housing Options Scotland to offer this unique service to more members of the Armed Forces community who are in need.
Housing Options Scotland’s CEO Moira Bayne said
“We continue to see a high demand for our Military Matters project, in the last quarter alone, we have seen a 50% increase in referrals. Since the project started in 2012, we have helped people with a multitude of issues including; homelessness, unaffordable housing, overcrowding, housing for disabled veterans and adaptations to name but a few. We are delighted and very grateful to receive continuing support from the Veterans’ Foundation, which will enable us to help more members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland.”
The Veterans’ Foundation raises its money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations. To date, it has given £2 million out in grants to 140 organisations, who help members of the Armed Forces community. Their support has helped charities and other organisations to tackle the challenges of mental health and physical injuries, homelessness, unemployment, children’s loss of parents while serving and remembrance.
Veterans Foundation CEO David Shaw noted
“The Veterans’ Foundation is delighted that the grant to Housing Options Scotland has enabled them to help many veterans find accommodation to suit their needs. It is so important that veterans and their dependants have a sound base from which to make a successful transition from military to civilian life.”
Contact for more information: Fraser Gilmore, Head of Engagement & Development – Housing Options Scotland fraser@housingoptionsscotland.org.uk / 07740 265 181
About Housing Options Scotland:
Helping Disabled People, Older People and members of the Armed Forces Community to Find the Right Home, in the Right Place.
Housing Options Scotland (HOS) is Scotland’s leading housing options support charity for disabled people, older people, members of the Armed Forces Community and those who support them. HOS was established in 1997 to provide a unique independent support service throughout Scotland. Today they support people in to social/ private/ midmarket renting and home ownership. The service is free, they never turn away anyone who needs their help and they keep cases open as long as they have the client’s permission to do so.
Housing Options Scotland has three main areas of activity:
- They assist disabled people, older people and members of the Armed Forces community by advising them on, and supporting them through, the complex design, financial and legal processes involved in buying or renting a property.
- They provide information, advice and training on housing and disability, ageing and Armed Forces community issues to the public, private and voluntary sectors.
- They raise awareness of the problems their clients face in relation to their housing and highlight the solutions and opportunities that exist.
Background information:
Working with disabled people, older people and members of the Armed Forces community for over 21 years has given HOS a unique insight into their needs in terms of housing and the difficulties these groups face. With the rising population of Scotland and the ever-increasing ageing population, the organisation have seen the demand for their service increase by more than 700% in the last 10 years.
About Veterans Foundation:
The Veterans’ Foundation raises its money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations. To date, it has given £2 million out in grants to 140 organisations, many of them smaller but very worthwhile charities, which are helping members of the Armed Forces community. The charities and other organisations we have helped include those tackling the challenges of mental and physical injuries, homelessness, unemployment, children’s loss of parents while serving and remembrance.
