Housing Options Scotland employs two veterans to enhance housing support for Armed Forces

October 26, 2026

Growing demand for housing support was increasing pressure on specialist services helping members of the Armed Forces community. 

What was the situation?

Since 2013, Housing Options Scotland’s Military Matters service has provided specialist housing advice to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

However, in recent years, the organisation has experienced increasing numbers of self-referrals from members of the Armed Forces community, as well as referrals from professionals supporting these groups. Many clients present with complex circumstances, including homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges. At the same time, wider financial pressures across the third sector have created challenges maintaining specialist support services such as these.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Some members of the Armed Forces community can experience complex housing challenges as a result of military life, and the transition to civilian life. These challenges may be compounded by factors such as homelessness, financial hardship, and health issues.

Without access to advice and support that understands the unique circumstances of military life, serving personnel, veterans and their families may find it more difficult than civilian families to secure suitable housing, and access the help they need.

What was done to help?

Housing Options Scotland secured funding of £150,000 over three years, from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Veterans Fund, to strengthen and expand its Military Matters service.

This enabled the charity to employ a full-time housing broker who is an RAF veteran, to provide bespoke casework support to clients. It also engaged a Royal Navy veteran to support its strategic work, outreach activities, engagement with stakeholders, and homelessness prevention initiatives.

What was the outcome?

The additional funding helped Housing Options Scotland increase its capacity to support members of the Armed Forces community facing housing challenges. The organisation reported improved casework outcomes and faster response times for clients.

Employing individuals with lived experience of military service, who better understand the challenges faced by the Armed Forces community, also strengthened their support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The charity has also been able to expand its outreach programme. This includes a planned Scotland-wide tour to raise awareness of housing support and homelessness prevention services.

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Housing
• Covenant action for charities

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. MOD has developed the database to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It serves as a guide for effective Covenant delivery, offering practical insights into achieving fairness for the Armed Forces community. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.