Op FORTITUDE: Helping veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
If you’re a veteran struggling to keep your home, or already facing homelessness, you don’t have to deal with it by yourself. Op FORTITUDE is a UK‑wide service that helps homeless veterans access the right support and, wherever possible, supports those at risk to stay in their own home.
Whether you need housing advice, emergency support or someone to help you navigate local services, Op FORTITUDE can help.
Time to read:
What is Op FORTITUDE?
Op FORTITUDE is a government‑backed service that helps veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Rather than leaving you to navigate multiple services on your own, the service offers a centralised referral pathway into veteran‑specific support. That could mean:
- help to stay in your current home
- support to find safe, suitable veteran supported housing
- guidance and connections to services that can help with the issues behind your housing situation
Most importantly, the service works with you, not around you. Your choices, your location and your needs all matter.
Who is Op FORTITUDE for?
Op FORTITUDE is designed for veterans who:
- are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- do not currently have a support network
- have support, but it’s struggling to meet their needs
- find it hard to engage with local mainstream services
You don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help. If you’re worried about what might happen next, Op FORTITUDE can step in early to help prevent homelessness wherever possible.
How to get help
Call or make an online referral.
Freephone
0800 952 0774
Online referral
Service hours
The service is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Outside office hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), an out-of-hours team can assist.
You should also contact your local council to report homeless. If you’re struggling with this, the team can help.
Understanding the bigger picture
Housing problems rarely happen in isolation. Veterans may face challenges such as:
- changes in income or benefits
- difficulty finding or keeping work
- mental or physical health issues
- substance misuse
- relationship breakdowns or social isolation
The veteran charity sector has a long history of supporting people through these challenges. This service doesn’t replace that support it – it adds to it, working in a community‑first way and linking up with services across the UK.
This joined‑up approach means better, more personalised help for homeless veterans, without forcing you to start again each time you speak to someone new.
How the Op FORTITUDE pathway works
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how the process works.
1. Making a referral
Referrals can be made by:
- you, directly
- a friend or family member
- veteran charities
- homelessness services
- local authorities
- Defence Transition Services
- HM Prison and Probation Service (excluding in‑prison referrals)
You can refer yourself:
- Online: https://riv.org.uk/opfortitude
- Freephone: 0800 952 0774
2. Assessing your needs
Once a referral is received, the team will carefully assess:
- your immediate safety
- your current housing situation
- where you are in the UK
- the level and complexity of your needs
This isn’t about ticking boxes.
It’s about understanding your situation properly.
3. Choosing your best support options
Depending on your needs and your choices, support may include:
- tenancy sustainment to help you keep your current home
- help engaging with your local authority under the Homelessness Reduction Act
- referrals to veteran and non‑veteran charities for specialist support
- access to veteran supported accommodation, if that’s the right option
Moving into supported housing isn’t always the best outcome. The team will also consider things like your local connection, existing support networks and what will work best for you long‑term.
Service availability
Op FORTITUDE is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Outside normal working hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays) an out-of-hours team can:
- give urgent advice
- help you contact local council homelessness services
- explain how the service works
- support you in making a referral
You will always be asked to contact your local authority, but Op FORTITUDE can help you do this if you’re struggling.
Working alongside the armed forces community
Op FORTITUDE isn’t here to replace existing support. It works alongside local authorities, charities and community organisations, strengthening the safety net for veterans across the UK.
For organisations supporting veterans, Op FORTITUDE is a vital extra resource when:
- a situation is escalating
- housing options are limited
- a veteran needs specialist, coordinated support
This collaborative approach means better outcomes and more effective help for homeless veterans nationwide.
You don’t have to face this alone
Asking for help isn’t a failure – it’s a step forward. If you’ve served, you deserve support to find stability, safety and a way forward.
Whether you’re homeless, facing eviction or just unsure what the next few months might look like, Op FORTITUDE is here to support you with respect, understanding and practical action.