Veteran support charity Hull 4 Heroes is to launch a new emergency housing project for homeless military veterans in Hull following a donation of more than £85,000 from BAE Systems.
The Company’s donation will allow the charity to buy and renovate a property in the city to provide emergency accommodation and support for local veterans.
The new property will enable Hull 4 Heroes to provide veterans with immediate access to short-term support in comfortable, safe surroundings, 24-hour face-to-face and telephone advice and tailored assistance packages designed to meet each individual’s needs.
Paul Matson, above, founder of Hull4Heroes, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this donation from BAE Systems to help the armed forces community in Hull and the East Riding area. Over the last year or so, we have experienced a huge rise in the number of veterans and their families who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, approaching us for help. With the demand for immediate temporary accommodation in the area being unable to be satisfied, we wanted to establish a facility of our own, dedicated to supporting veterans in this situation.
“Our dedicated house for veterans will not only ease the burden on the council but also ensure that veterans are housed in suitable accommodation with other veterans, managed by veterans, which will make them feel safe and help them to engage in a recovery process.”
Once a property is secured the Hull 4 Heroes team will call on volunteers, beneficiaries and local businesses to help with the transformation and renovation of the house.
Simon Barnes, Group MD of BAE Systems’ Air Sector, said: “It’s no secret that military veterans can face huge challenges on leaving the armed forces, or perhaps even many years later. It’s vital that people are there for them to provide the support they deserve – and that’s what Hull 4 Heroes do.
“This dedicated accommodation will allow those who have fallen on hard times to regain their independence with dignity and rebuild their lives with the support of those who have had similar experiences.”
