STEPWAY co-ordinates swift multi-agency work to support veteran at risk of homelessness

October 12, 2026

A veteran’s risk of homelessness was exacerbated by release from prison at short notice and extra challenges from his earlier Service in the Armed Forces. 

What was the situation?

Karl, a veteran serving a custodial sentence, was informed on a Friday shortly before Christmas that he would be released from prison on the following Monday. He was advised that he needed to secure Approved Premises accommodation by Tuesday or risk being recalled to prison.

Having previously experienced broken promises from support services, Karl lacked trust in the system and was at risk of homelessness and returning to custody. He needed urgent support to secure accommodation and co-ordinate the agencies involved in his release.

He was already being supported while he was in prison by STEPWAY charity, through its prison in-reach service.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Karl’s imprisonment was believed to be linked to the impacts of his Armed Forces service. These included PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury, and impulsive behaviour, which affected his adjustment to civilian life.

These Service-related difficulties also complicated his transition to stable housing. They made it difficult for him to manage the uncertainty about his housing after release, and increased his likelihood of homelessness.

What was done to help?

Following his release, Karl visited STEPWAY’s West Midlands Wellbeing Centre, where staff immediately recognised the urgency of the situation. As it was only a few days before Christmas, many services had already reduced staffing levels or closed for the festive period, creating significant delays. STEPWAY worked quickly with other agencies to find an immediate solution. These included Probation, housing services, Op Courage NHS, Armed Forces Champions at DWP, and Karl’s family.

STEPWAY contacted Karl’s father, who agreed that Karl could stay with him temporarily until permanent accommodation became available in early January. As STEPWAY had already carried out an assessment of the property, staff completed the required paperwork on behalf of Probation, allowing the arrangement to be approved within the required timescales.

What was the outcome?

By working together and adopting a “no wrong door” approach, the organisations involved prevented Karl from ending up homeless or being recalled to prison, and supported his successful transition back into civilian life.

Karl was provided with welfare support, housing assistance, advocacy, and ongoing engagement with statutory and voluntary services. He is now settled in his own home, in employment, and has rebuilt important relationships.

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

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.