Standing side by side with veterans who are homeless

Over the year,  Alabaré has supported 158 veterans through our supported housing services across England and Wales. It is estimated that there are over 3,500 homeless veterans in the UK. Last year, we received 350 referrals for our veteran services, an increase demand of 122% on our service.

Our Homes for Veterans programme delivers a tailored pathway of support that addresses individual needs in areas such as physical and mental health, financial wellbeing, and employment readiness. In addition to this holistic support, we collaborate closely with each veteran to help them secure stable, lasting accommodation, enabling successful transition to independent living, which therefore reduces the risk of future homelessness as they rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.

Income Generation

Fundraising is absolutely vital to everything we do at Alabaré. Without it, we simply couldn’t reach those in crisis – whether that’s veterans rebuilding their lives, young people finding a fresh start, or individuals overcoming homelessness and poor mental health. Every pound raised helps us offer safe homes, support, and hope for the future.

We’re backed by an amazing mix of individuals, groups, organisations and charitable trusts, and we are so grateful to every single one. Whether you take part in a sponsored sleep out, run a marathon, host a coffee morning, sponsor a room, give generously and regularly or help fund a project through a grant, you are changing lives.

Last year, we hosted several events for corporate sponsors including a film night and talks about our work.  Adventurous souls took part in the “Eighty for 80” D‑Day Skydive to mark 80 years since D‑Day and we continued with our iconic Big Sleeps in England and Wales while thousands of people faithfully gave regularly to our appeals throughout the year. Our charity shops add another layer, offering not just income but real-world experience for those we support.

We’re incredibly grateful to the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for supporting us to refurbish energy-efficient homes in England and Wales, as well as providing vital ongoing funding to ensure our veterans have warm, safe places to call home.

We also deeply value the support from the Army Benevolent Fund, The Veterans Foundation,  and many other funders all recognised within this report, whose grants have been instrumental in expanding outdoor wellbeing programmes, creating new opportunities for veterans to build their own homes, enable vulnerable young people to feel safe and supported to make positive choices and our learning disability residents have lifetime adventures overseas.  Alabaré continues to rebuild confidence and resilience through meaningful activities, reshaping lives and creating homes for the future.

Together with these funders, Alabaré can deliver life-changing services that truly empower veterans on their journey to recovery.

Every gift, big or small, matters more than ever.  Your generosity helps us stay strong, keep showing up, and continue walking alongside people in need.  Thank you for helping us break the cycle of homelessness, we can’t do it without your support.

Demonstrating Social Impact

Our Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme supports veterans who have been homeless and provides a pathway into a career in the construction industry while building a house to call home, in partnership with local construction companies.

When we calculate the impact that we are creating as a charity we refer to a term known as social value.

What is Social Value?

Social value refers to the broader benefits a project creates for individuals and communities beyond just economic or financial returns. In this case social value includes improved wellbeing, reduced reliance on public services such as the NHS or the benefits system, increased employment opportunities, and stronger community ties.

By helping formerly homeless veterans gain stability, skills, and meaningful employment, the project generates long-term positive outcomes.

For example, the £515,820 in social value calculated for the Ludgershall project cohorts reflects not just the houses built, but the transformation in the veterans’ lives, including improved mental health, reduced homelessness, and increased future earnings.

The return on investment (ROI) of 4.29 means that for every £1 invested in the scheme, £4.29 of social value is created, highlighting the significant impact of supporting veterans through this innovative housing and skill-building initiative.