Steve, Resident New Belvedere House, London
Steve, Resident at New Belvedere House, London
The Soldiers’ Charity gives generously to national charities as well as other Service charities which provide services or care for the Army family. Our funds support charities like Veterans Aid, who run New Belvedere House in East London. The Soldiers’ Charity has contributed £4,000 towards an outdoor space makeover there. Dr Hugh Milroy, Veterans Aid Chief Executive says, ‘What was a characterless space is now somewhere residents can enjoy fresh air in wet weather or simply sit in tranquility.’
The renovations at New Belevedere House were made possible by a contribution from the Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal, a partnership between The Soldiers’ Charity and Ideal Home Show. The Appeal raised £102,000 in 2010 and hopes to raise £150,000 in 2011 to continue to help individuals and other projects like the New Belvedere House.
Steve, a resident at New Belvedere House, was originally from Staffordshire but has lived in the London area since 1970. He was previously a driver for the Royal Corps of Transport. Steve had been homeless before for 3 years in the 1970’s. When he found himself homeless again he found out about New Belvedere House at a drop in centre near Trafalgar Square.
Having battled with alcoholism in the past, Steve is now looking looks positively towards his future. He is looking forward to a fresh start and spending even more time with his granddaughters.
New Belvedere House has proved to be a real home away from home for Steve. ‘I don’t know where I’d be without this place – probably still on the streets, drinking. It’s a godsend’.
