The client’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.
Peter served in the Army with 1st Battalion Scots Guards from 1970 -1978, completing tours of Northern Ireland and Cyprus. He left the Army in order to spend more time with his family. After living in the same privately rented accommodation for the last nineteen years, Peter and his wife, were informed by their landlord that he would like to sell the property and that they would have to find somewhere else to live.
In the first instance, Peter approached the local council for help to find a new place to live. He found the process very challenging and mostly carried out online, which he was unfamiliar with. He discovered, that with approximately 8,000 people looking for homes, the process was very stressful and
“like hitting your head off a brick wall”
Peter and his wife both have health challenges and almost being homeless, was now adding to their stress. The council told Peter that it was difficult to do anything until he became officially homeless and this happened on 28 July 2022, when he left his rented accommodation. The council placed Peter and his wife in temporary hotel accommodation for 12 days before moving them to a small cottage, which unfortunately was riddled with damp. They were also unable to host their family for Christmas that year, for the first time in 50 years, because there wasn’t enough room for everyone, and this was very upsetting.
Peter’s son had spoken to a colleague at work, who had suggested that Peter contact SSAFA, who might be able to help because of Peter’s Army service. Peter had left the Army 44 years ago and was therefore a bit sceptical about this. However, when he contacted SSAFA, they gave him the details of five contacts who they thought could help. Three of the contacts told Peter that he didn’t meet their requirements and the fourth did not reply. His fifth contact was Ryan of Housing Options Scotland and it was at this point that Peter felt that his luck might change.
From the beginning of his contact with Ryan, Peter was impressed with his knowledge and felt like Ryan could make a difference. Ryan informed Peter about his entitlement and was “totally helpful” throughout the process. In Peter’s words, he said
“I think Ryan must have size 12 boots, because all of a sudden, people started responding”!
Peter and his wife had a clear idea of the type of property they would like, somewhere with a garden that they could really call home. They were upset that they could not host a family Christmas in 2022 and wanted to make sure that they could do so in 2023.
Ryan advised Peter that Veteran’s Housing Scotland (VHS) may have a property that was suitable for them and that he would guide them through the application process. Also, Stacy from VHS was very helpful all the way through the three-stage interview process.
Peter and his wife left their rented accommodation on 28 July 2022 and were re-homed by VHS, with the support of HOS in January 2023. They now live in a lovely, affordable three-bedroom home, with a garden, which will suit Peter’s wife’s green fingers.
Following a very stressful period, Peter and his wife are now very excited about getting the house together and have been saving up to do some “DIY”. They have already laid flooring, bought some white goods and they have started hanging pictures in their new home. Peter plans to host a housewarming “hearty family meal” in the near future, and is already planning to host the family this Christmas.
Peter is very grateful for the help and support he received from Ryan at HOS and for all the issues he identified and rectified. His experience with HOS has only been positive and he would encourage any ex-forces personnel, who are facing homelessness, to engage with the help that is out there for veterans and to
“Go for it”.
This case study was written by a Veteran Volunteer, as part of the Veteran Volunteers programme, as funded by the Veterans Foundation.