Evaluation of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme
For the approximately 2.1 million veterans currently living in the UK, accessing suitable accommodation when transitioning to civilian life is a key factor for their future wellbeing. In recognition of this need, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust), on behalf of the Office for Veteran’s Affairs (OVA), launched the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, which runs from April 2023 to the end of 2025. This Programme aims to reduce veteran homelessness and provide sustainable supported housing through: (i) Op FORTITUDE, a centralised referral pathway system for veterans facing or at risk of homelessness, designed to help them access stable housing and comprehensive support services, and (ii) grant-funded projects, aimed at increasing housing capacity, providing specialised support (e.g., therapeutic services), and fostering community integration for veterans.
Alma Economics was commissioned by the Trust to evaluate the impact of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme. Our evaluation began with a scoping phase, involving a desk-based review and scoping interviews with grant holders, culminating in the development of a comprehensive, interactive Theory of Change (ToC) that maps how each project is expected to drive change and create long-term impact. This was followed by a process evaluation, which assessed the effectiveness of the Programme’s delivery through engagement with grant holders, delivery organisations, frontline staff, and beneficiaries. Our team also conducted an impact evaluation using a mixed-methods approach to assess the Programme’s impact across key areas such as employment, mental and physical health, housing needs, and wellbeing. Finally, we undertook an economic evaluation of the Programme, conducting a Cost Benefit Analysis to estimate the social return on investment.
While the Programme was initially scheduled to run for two years, it has since been extended until March 2026. The evaluation will also span several years to assess both immediate and longer-term impacts. Our report summarises the findings from the evaluation’s first year, providing valuable insights into how the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme is supporting veterans.
Our research led to several important findings:
Op FORTITUDE: In its first nine months (up to and including March 2024), Op FORTITUDE helped nearly 200 veterans move from the streets into veteran-supported accommodation. Additionally, it assisted approximately 400 more individuals in accessing emergency accommodation, underscoring the high demand for veteran-specific support and the need for expanded housing options. The pathway demonstrated adaptability by evolving its processes to manage high referral volumes and improve referral suitability. Further prioritisation of high-risk cases and expansion of the network of housing providers could further enhance the pathway’s effectiveness.
Grant-funded projects: These also achieved notable successes in the Programme’s first year. According to data provided by four grant holders, a total of 472 veterans were referred to those grant holder services, with 304 assessed and 284 accessing support. Significant findings relate to housing and mental health outcomes: approximately 60% of veterans had mental health needs, and 74% of those receiving consistent support showed improvements. Of the 83% of veterans needing housing support, 61% experienced improvements in housing access through consistent engagement. Among the 20% needing support to retain housing, 68% who received consistent support showed improved retention.
Value for money: Our economic evaluation indicates that the Programme provides significant value, with estimated economic and social benefits outweighing the funding costs. Specifically, we estimate that every £1 spent on the Programme can generate between £2.70 and £3.40 in economic and social benefits over a 15-year period, depending on the assumptions used.