Homeless Veterans: Building work starts on a world-class refuge for veterans... thanks to you

As the Evening Standard’s campaign for homeless ex-service personnel draws to a close, Anna Davis sees how an east London hostel is being transformed for the 21st century
Overhaul: Dave Buckley, left, and Geoffrey Cardozo of Veterans Aid at New Belvedere House, the charity’s hostel in Stepney

Work has started to rebuild and extend a hostel for former servicemen and women who have hit rock bottom, as the Evening Standard’s Homeless Veterans campaign draws to a triumphant conclusion. New Belvedere House, a hostel in Stepney, will be transformed in a major overhaul that will allow greater numbers of veterans in crisis to be helped.

As the appeal comes to a close, project managers, architects and builders are moving into the site to begin work, and ensure that the building remains a place of hope for the next half-century.

New Belvedere House is run by Veterans Aid, one of two military charities — the other is ABF The Soldiers’ Charity — at the heart of the Standard’s appeal. It has been used as a hostel for homeless ex-service personnel since 1973, and the overhaul will turn it into a world-class facility. Its 55 bedrooms are almost always full, but when work is completed there will be space for 12 more veterans as well as a new gym, kitchen and art room.

Hugh Milroy, chief executive of Veterans Aid, said: “It is hard to believe the Evening Standard’s Homeless Veterans appeal is coming to an end.

“The transformation of our large hostel is a major task for us. However we are only building on its astounding success to help our dedicated staff continue their work. For the individuals we deal with, who are often damaged and vulnerable human beings, it will remain a place of hope.

“Redevelopment plans are in place to improve and extend the existing facilities — which are already clean, welcoming and friendly. When complete, the hostel will be world class.”

As part of the work, which will finish in December next year, the facade of the building will be replaced with soaring glass walls, and an extra storey will be added to house more bedrooms. Every room will be gutted and rebuilt, with new plumbing, electrics, furniture and decor, and a lift will be installed so disabled veterans can use the hostel. A proper kitchen will be created so staff will for the first time be able to teach veterans how to cook.

A new gym will take pride of place at the heart of the building, replacing the current arrangement whereby hostel manager Pat O’Connor runs an exercise class at 6am every day in the crowded recreation room, which is full of tables, sofas and a pool table.

There will be a fully equipped art centre where residents can paint, draw and build, using skills learned during educational courses they take during the day.

Crucially, every resident will be involved in creating the building. They will use the skills they already have, such as plumbing, tiling and bricklaying, but will also be given training in construction to add to their CVs.

The hostel does not just provide a bed for the night. New residents are given clothes and toiletries, and support to overcome any addictions they may have.

They are helped to get work or training, and finally, they are encouraged to move out when they are ready. Veterans Aid staff continue to help former residents by finding them accommodation and providing furniture and other support when they eventually move on.

Colonel Geoffrey Cardozo, fundraiser at Veterans Aid, said: “We want to do what we do even better.” He added that the new gym and kitchen would ensure the hostel looked after residents’ physical health, while the art centre would support them mentally.

“We have been trying to find the money for this for four years and the campaign made a huge amount of difference,” he said. “It is an exciting time. We are all delighted.” Dave Buckley, facilities manager at Veterans Aid and project manager of the construction scheme, said it was a a “logistical challenge” and he was extremely proud of the work.

The new building “will last for up to 50 years so the legacy will continue,” he added: “I am very proud of what’s going on here. Veterans Aid was the best kept secret in the charity industry, and they are not any more thanks to the campaign.”

Building work will start in April in the Old Rectory, a part of the hostel for residents who are more independent. One floor at a time will be gutted and rebuilt.

In July, renovation will begin in the main building, where a whole floor of bedrooms will be added.

Work will then commence on reconfiguring the downstairs of the hostel, and adding the new kitchen, art centre and gym.

Colonel Cardozo pointed out that the campaign had not just raised money for Veterans Aid, but had encourage people to donate gifts as well.

The Lawn Tennis Association even donated unworn Hugo Boss umpire jackets and T-shirts. He said: “The guys were really happy. You can see how quickly their self-esteem comes back when they wear them.”

Dr Milroy added: “Over 95 per cent of our hostel graduates go on to sustain their new lives emotionally, physically, psychologically and financially living in the community. Investing in the hostel will ensure that we can keep doing this for as long as there is a need.”

For more on the appeal visit homelessveterans.co.uk

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