ABOUT HVP
We do not offer just a house, we offer support,
we offer encouragement and we offer hope.
Homeless Veterans Project are a registered Scottish Charity SC049441 offers UK Ex Service Personnel who are homeless,or at risk of being homeless, practical and financial assistance to secure sustainable accommodation as well assisting them to overcome any obstacles they may encounter which prevents them from having housing security.
Run by Ex Service Personnel and Armed Forces family members we the "quick reaction force" of Forces Charities and work with appropriate organisations to secure sustainable and long term support.
OUR TEAM
Our Chairman -Alex McAnespie
Alex served for 12 years in the Gordon Highlanders and 11 years in the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Alex is our "chief negotiator" and takes the lead in all of the charity outreach. He is active in fundraising and looks after all of our merchandise. He deals with all of the initial referrals and requests for support and works closely with Regimental Associations, SSAFA and other organisations to ensure the best outcomes for the Veterans. Alex has recently been awarded the British Iniative in Business Award 2021 (nominated by his employers Morrisons Data Services) and The Scottish Veterans Awards Volunteer of the Year for 2022.
Our Vice Chair - Donna Louise Armstrong
Donna is from a Military Family - her father served for 16 years in the Royal Corps of Signals. She has a background in events planning and Administration and enjoys the fundraising and PR side of the charity. Donna also assists with outreach and ensures that accurate records are maintained. She has strong links with the Airborne community and is also an Area Co-ordinator for Poppyscotland. Donna was awarded the Royal British Legion Centenary Award and The Poppyscotland Presidents Awards in 2021.
Our Treasurer/ Secretary - Chris McAnespie
Chris was an Army wife and continues to support her husband Alex with the charity. She has a background in accounts and administration and is responsible for maintaining the charity's books and ensuring everything is scrupulously and timeously submitted to OSCR anually. She deals with the banking and ordering of merchandise and enjoys helping out at our events playing an active role in fundraising.
Our Caseworker - Phil Williamson
Phil served with the Royal Corps of Signals and is currently a Staff Sergeant in the Army Cadet Force. Phil is actively involved in fundraising for the charity and also deals extensively with our service users assisting the team with outreach.
Our Patron - Rusty Firmin
Former SAS Commander and part of the iconic Iranian Embassy Hostage Rescue Team, Rusty is and active and proud patron of the charity.
What We Can Help With
Homeless Veterans Project SC049441 assists all Veterans from the UK Armed Forces
who are not in secure, permanent accommodation or are in danger of being homeless.
Homelessness is not only being on the streets, it can mean living in unsuitable accommodation or "sofa surfing"
Liaison with Local Authorities
Bureaucracy can be a bit daunting for a Veteran who is stressed, anxious and unfamiliar with "the system" sometimes it appears impossible to access and he/she just needs someone to fight their cause
HVP will liaise with Housing Departments and Associations, the DWP and other organisations to ensure that our Veterans are never disadvantaged due to their service and are housed appropriately in a reasonable time frame.
Financial Assistance
HVP are able to assist with deposit and rent payments for Veterans who have been homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Where we cannot arrange suitable / immediate local authority temporary housing we are able to assist with Bed and Breakfast accommodation costs
Other Needs
HVP realise that there can be a lot more involved in resettling a Veteran into a home than the roof over their heads and are aware of the specific challenges our Veterans may have faced during service and after service. We are proactive in referring our service users to organisations able to assist them in terms of health, employment,training and welfare needs. We can also assist with procuring furniture and household contents through our relationships with other organisations. In short, we will assist with any obstacles a Veteran may face in terms of securing and maintaining permanent accommodation either ourselves or by referring them to the most appropriate organisation.