Don’t miss final chance to apply for major capital housing funds
“In every town and city in this country. People who were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, who put their lives on the line to protect us all, but who will not have a safe place to sleep tonight. We cannot stand by and let this happen anymore.” ~ Sir Kier Starmer
In November 2024, the Prime Minister pledged that all veterans would have a guaranteed roof over their head. He added: “When I came into office, I promised that I would serve our heroes as they have served us.”
There are an estimated 2.1 million veterans currently living in the UK. Official figures for the first three months of 2024 showed that 650 households in England, who were entitled to accommodation to prevent them becoming homeless, included someone who had served.
It’s why we’ve worked closely with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs since 2023 to distribute the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund. It’s already awarded more than £8.3 million to provide affordable housing to veterans across the UK – and there’s still time to apply. The final round of the Major Capital Grants strand, with grants up to £1m on offer, is open until 18 June 2025.
The projects funded so far offer a range of housing provision; from support for veterans with disabilities, to support for female veterans. Some are short-term transitional housing options; others are long-term and even lifelong.
“Some veterans use our housing as a short-term measure post transition or later in their journey. Others stay for longer periods, including end of life. Levels of veteran homelessness are still desperately high and we have higher demands than we can meet. We recently advertised six available properties and had 30 requests to be homed in them.” ~ Veteran Housing Scotland
52 properties in seven different locations across Scotland will now be made ready for veterans with disabilities, and their families, thanks to Major Capital funding. This includes roof repairs, energy efficiency updates and more. The housing offers safe and secure wraparound support for those facing rough sleeping.
Ros found herself homeless with two children and unable to find a home for her family. “Meeting Veteran Housing Scotland changed everything for my family and me. My daughter is now settled at university and my son has joined Police Scotland. They are happier knowing that I am settled and they have somewhere warm and secure to come home to. As a result of having a stable home life I have been able to get a job with Edinburgh City Council as a Residential Care Officer and I am looking forward to the future.”
Stable living for veterans
“There’s a massive need for veterans housing in this country, for disadvantaged veterans of all ages and all backgrounds.” ~ RBLI
RBLI received £1 million from the Major Capital programme to create 28 homes for veterans as well as community facilities. The homes will offer immediately accessible opportunities for stable living, skills training, fitness and wellbeing, employment coaching and help with relationship repair.
In Bournemouth, four eco-friendly, affordable homes will provide much-needed veteran support. Bournemouth War Memorial Homes have seen a huge growth in demand for housing. The new homes are expected to be ready for occupants in April 2026.
Resident, Dawn, says: “I cannot express our gratitude enough for all the guidance, advice and assistance they have given us. We know there are lots that they do behind the scenes to make every resident’s life as comfortable as possible, whilst still maintaining our independence.
“Whilst my husband’s health will not improve, his mental wellbeing has improved dramatically and this is definitely because of the stability he feels living where we are.”
So, what’s available?
To be eligible to apply to the Major Capital Grants programme you much be a registered charity working with veterans, or a registered social housing provider or Registered Social Landlord in Scotland that can show it works with veterans.
Up to £1 million of funding can provide major refurbishment of existing social rented or affordable rented homes for veterans; extensions of existing buildings to increase the availability of veteran housing; new build homes/housing units for veterans at affordable or social rents; or can be used to ensure properties meet decent homes and energy efficiency standards.
This is life changing stuff for veterans in need of support. Our Programme Lead, Sian Butler, explains: “I’ve been deeply moved by the stability that housing offers to veterans experiencing homelessness. These projects go beyond mere bricks and mortar: they provide comprehensive wraparound support, access to community spaces, mental health resources and much more. What stands out most is how many of these grants are fundamentally about fostering a true sense of belonging for veterans and their families in need. And that is incredibly powerful.”
Find out more
We’re offering a two-stage application process for the Major Capital Grants programme. Details of how to submit your expression of interest for funding are available on our Major Capital programme page. If your expression of interest is successful, you’ll be invited to submit a more detailed application and can expect a final decision by the end of February 2026.
Useful links
Major Capital grants we’ve made so far