The Company’s donation will allow the charity to purchase and renovate a property in the city that will provide emergency accommodation and support for local veterans.
The new property will enable Hull 4 Heroes to provide veterans with immediate access to short-term support in comfortable, safe surroundings, 24-hour face-to-face and telephone advice and tailored assistance packages designed to meet each individual’s needs.
Paul Matson, Hull 4 Heroes founder, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this donation from BAE Systems to help the armed forces community in Hull and the East Riding area. Over the last year or so, we have experienced a huge rise in the number of veterans and their families who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, approaching us for help. With the demand for immediate temporary accommodation in the area being unable to be satisfied, we wanted to establish a facility of our own, dedicated to supporting veterans in this situation.
“Our dedicated house for veterans will not only ease the burden on the council but also ensure that veterans are housed in suitable accommodation with other veterans, managed by veterans, which will make them feel safe and help them to engage in a recovery process.”
Once a property is secured the Hull 4 Heroes team will call on volunteers, beneficiaries and local businesses to help with the transformation and renovation of the house.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “It’s no secret that military veterans can face huge challenges on leaving the armed forces, or perhaps even many years later. It’s vital that people are there for them to provide the support they deserve – and that’s what Hull 4 Heroes do.
“This dedicated accommodation will allow those who have fallen on hard times to regain their independence with dignity and rebuild their lives with the support of those who have had similar experiences.”
Hull 4 Heroes founder Paul Matson worked on the Veterans Street project in Manchester as part of the ‘DIY SOS’ television series which transformed a derelict street into a vibrant new community for veterans and local people. Drawing inspiration from that experience he is confident that the local community will play its part in making the charity’s new project a success.
He said: “I know that the good people of Hull and surrounding areas will donate their time to help this project. Veterans often do not seek help, until it is too late. They sacrificed a lot in their military careers so this is our chance to give back. I’d love for veterans to also help renovate the property which will give them a sense of achievement and pride as well as the opportunity to learn new skills, hopefully being trained on site by skilled workers.”
Anyone interested in supporting Hull 4 Heroes with time and skills when the restoration project begins can get in touch via their website.
In 2022, BAE Systems contributed more than £11.5m to projects supporting its local communities, education and the armed forces through charitable sponsorships, donations, employee fundraising and volunteering.
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