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Op FORTITUDE

Supporting veterans at risk of homelessness

Op FORTITUDE logo 

Op FORTITUDE is funded by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs within the Ministry of Defence. It provides a single, central route for veterans to access support and specialist housing.

The service supports veterans who are:

  • At risk of homelessness
  • Currently homeless
  • Struggling to manage their tenancy

We work alongside veterans to:

  • Help them stay in their current home, where possible
  • Find suitable supported housing if needed

Op FORTITUDE is here for veterans who:

  • Do not have a strong support network
  • Have support that is no longer meeting their needs
  • Find it difficult to engage with local services

Op FORTITUDE referral form

Two people sat on a couch laughing together

What we support with

Veterans may be at risk of homelessness for many reasons. We can help with a range of needs, including:

Working with partners

The veteran charity sector plays a vital role in supporting veterans. Op FORTITUDE works alongside these organisations, adding extra support rather than replacing existing services.


We take a community-first approach, linking with services across the UK to provide the right support at the right time.

Two people sit chatting on a sofa

How the service works

Referrals can be made by:

  • Members of the public
  • Homelessness services
  • Veteran charities
  • Local authorities
  • Defence Transition Service (DTS)
  • His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)*
  • Veterans themselves
* Referrals are not accepted directly from prisons due to existing in-prison support.
Referrals

Referrals can be made by:

  • Members of the public
  • Homelessness services
  • Veteran charities
  • Local authorities
  • Defence Transition Service (DTS)
  • His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)*
  • Veterans themselves
* Referrals are not accepted directly from prisons due to existing in-prison support.
What happens next

Once we receive a referral, we assess:

  • The veteran’s immediate safety
  • Their current housing situation
  • Their location
  • The level and complexity of their needs

We then work with the veteran to agree the best next step.

Types of support available

Depending on individual needs and preferences, support may include:

  • Tenancy sustainment support to help someone stay in their home
  • Referrals to specialist organisations for additional support
  • Access to veteran supported housing, where appropriate

Moving into supported housing is not always the best option. We consider all factors, including the impact of moving away from local connections.

Service hours

Op FORTITUDE is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Out of hours (5pm–9am weekdays, plus weekends and bank holidays):

  • An out of hours team is available to help
  • Advice on housing and homelessness support
  • Help to contact local authority services
  • Support with making a referral

Contacting us

Veterans are encouraged to contact their local authority if they are homeless or at risk. If they need help to do this, our team can support them.

You can refer to Op FORTITUDE by: