Giving hope to homeless veterans

The charity works with private landlords and housing associations to find homes for veterans when social housing isn't available. Until recently, that often meant placing people in bed and breakfast accommodation as a stop gap while a longer-term solution was found.

The SYGN’s grant has helped to provide veterans with housing by contributing to a first month’s rent, as well as funding the use of emergency hotel rooms and food provisions.

CEO Steve Bentham-Bates said: “The grant has enabled our charity to support homeless veterans in South Yorkshire. This has given them fresh hope and practical help."

In February this year, the charity received the keys to the first property it has ever owned, bought outright with cash after the success of its Buy a Brick campaign. Founder and Chair of Trustees Tom Wood MBE unveiled the name a few days later: Wood House. On 12 June, the Rotherham home opened its doors to veterans in need, removing the need for hotel bookings.

Steve added: “It's a significant step for a charity like ours. Having a house of our own gives veterans a safe place to stay while they rebuild and means our charity's funds can go further.

We are very grateful to the SYGN for the help they have given us. Without funds like this covering our core costs, it would have been much harder to make long-term investments like our Rotherham house.

 

The team is now saving for a second home, this time in Barnsley.

Brooke Taylor, the SYGN representative in Barnsley and also PR and Communications Manager at Barnsley College, said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress Help 4 Homeless has made this year, supported by our SYGN donation.

“The charity provides a lifeline for local homeless veterans, offering stability and practical support.

It shows the power and impact of our network, and the success we can achieve when we come together and work collaboratively to make a difference.