Former Royal Engineer who slept in car parks backs call to help homeless veterans

Former Royal Engineer Lea Smith is supporting calls for long-term help for veterans who face homelessness, saying many struggle after leaving the Forces and losing the structure and support they relied on. His experience highlights concerns that support for veterans should continue beyond Remembrance Day.

Smith, 49, served from 1996 to 1999 and became homeless after redundancy, addiction and bankruptcy; after rehabilitation in 2020, he became a volunteer and began studying theology. Green Pastures, which houses more than 1,500 people, says 2,180 veteran households in England experience or are at risk of homelessness each year. The charity is urging ministers to make veterans a priority and consider expanding social investment, citing £50 million from nearly 2,000 investors.