Croydon Council commits homes to help veterans find stable housing

Croydon Council has committed at least five social housing properties each year to help veterans access stable, long-term housing through support from The Stoll Foundation.

Currently, veterans are given high priority through Croydon's housing allocation scheme. However, the demand for affordable housing remains high and there are more people looking for a home than there are properties available.

The additional five homes will give veterans another opportunity to find a secure, stable and long-term home. Through The Stoll Foundation, a veterans' housing charity, they will also be able to access support to help them live independently.

The support will be delivered through the Foundation's Veterans Nomination Scheme. Since launching in 2009, the scheme has helped more than 900 veterans find a home and supports veterans who are homeless, living in temporary accommodation or living in unsuitable housing.

Veterans supported housing coordinator at The Stoll Foundation, Zoë Flewin, said:

"A safe home and supportive community can make all the difference in a veteran's journey towards recovery, and that's what The Stoll Foundation offers through our properties, support services, and Veterans' Nomination scheme.

Croydon Council's commitment of at least five properties per year will make an enormous difference to the lives of vulnerable veterans who may otherwise end up without a place to call home."

This scheme builds on the Council's support for the Armed Forces community. The Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a national pledge that aims to make sure members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly when accessing services.

Last November, the Executive Mayor, reaffirmed the Council's commitment to that support and recognised the contribution veterans, reservists and military families make to the borough.

"Veterans have made a significant contribution to our country and it is important that we recognise that through action, not just words.

"A safe and secure home can make a real difference to someone's life. By working with The Stoll Foundation, we can help more veterans access the opportunities and support they need to move forward.

"I am proud that Croydon is playing its part in supporting veterans and military families, helping those who have served our country build a stable future."

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon