Veterans facing homelessness in East Yorkshire will benefit from safe and comfortable accommodation thanks to the Hull 4 Heroes charity, as well as a donation by BAE Systems.
The property was purchased by the charity in 2024 and recently benefited from a renovation. The group volunteered hundreds of hours to transform the property into three well-equipped units.
Each unit has its own bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom and living area, all designed to promote independence and dignity. There will also be communal spaces to encourage social connection and a sense of community.
The accommodation is intended for veterans in need of temporary housing, supporting their transition back to civilian life with wraparound support, including welfare advice, mental health services, peer mentoring, employability support, and social integration activities.
CEO of Hull 4 Heroes, Paul Matson, said: “This project is more than just a renovation; it’s a lifeline for homeless veterans. We can offer instant and stable accommodation, alongside in-house support, the moment a veteran needs it. It could truly mean the difference between continued hardship on the streets and a life-saving fresh start for those who’ve served.”
Dave Beales, Senior Manager at BAE Systems, said: “We’re honoured to play a part in helping Hull 4 Heroes realise its ambitions to help veterans transitioning smoothly into civilian life. As a provider of defence and security, we work closely with the UK Armed Forces and understand how important it is to support our veterans. This project will make a real impact, and I’d like to thank the BAE Systems colleagues from our local Brough site, who got stuck in and volunteered their time for this important project.”
At an opening event held on Thursday, Mr Matson said: “This is transition. It’s moving people into that ‘instant help’. A perfect fresh start. You’ve got everything you need on every floor.”
There are already plans for someone to move in ‘very soon’ Mr Matson confirmed. He said this would provide them with a ‘new, fresh start.’ He said they had already shown the veteran around and he was said to be ‘ecstatic’.
“There isn’t a part of it I’m not pleased with.” He spoke of three rooms being named after some of the oldest volunteers at the charity as recognition for their dedication and support with the project – The Helas room, the Stones room and the Holden room.
Reform UK Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell, was present at the event. He said: “Paul and the trustees have all done an amazing job. It shows you all the businesses coming together for the right reasons and the right cause.
“I was saying the second I got here that this is the sort of project that a Combined Authority should really get involved with and support. I’m very excited to get involved in the next steps and show my support. Thank you all for having me here, it’s an honour.”
Mr Matson followed up with further praise for the support of BAE Systems. He said: “This house wouldn’t have been possible without BAE Systems. David and the team allowed us the funds to be able to purchase the house.”
Mr Beales said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to support Paul and the Hull 4 Heroes charity. We work to develop the relationship with our Armed Forces. We really want to support all of the veterans – whether that’s employing the veterans or supporting them. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Paul to help make this possible.”
You can take a look inside the accommodation below. All photos taken by Donna Clifford for Hull Live.