Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are currently in the process of launching the SpringBoard Housing (SBH) project and hope to initiate discussions with the local housing organisation, Wrekin Housing Group, and Telford and Wrekin Council shortly. 

SBH aims to help homeless veterans living on the streets transition into our SBH homes and then into other, more permanent social housing as soon as possible. 

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will continue to grow, and we will add more questions with carefully considered answers. Please note that over time, especially as we begin this project, some answers may change due to new information, legislation, rules and guidelines. 

1. What sort of organisation is SpringBoard Housing (SBH)?

SBH is a subsidiary of the registered charity FLOW for ALL (Forces Literary Organisation Worldwide for ALL or just “FLOW”). It is therefore a part of the registered charity and is seen by us as a significant project that will continue for as long as we can fund it. 

2. How will the SBH project work?

It is hoped that SBH will house veterans or other homeless people (if no veterans are waiting) in our homes across the UK. The idea is to take eligible individuals in and help them secure a more permanent home in the local area, thereby assisting them in transitioning from homelessness to a place they can call home and a job as soon as possible. 

3. How will this be done? 

Once someone moves in, they will sign the contract as a guest in our home and be allocated their room. Our homes will be run in a military-style manner, with set rules outlined in the contract that all guests must adhere to. If a guest breaks the rules and continues to do so, they will be asked to leave their room and the house within 48 hours. 

4. What are these rules?

The rules below will be edited and added to, but at this time, these are the rules:

• Keeping yourself clean and presentable at all times. 
• Keeping your room clean and presentable at all times (yes, there will be room inspections). 
• Having each other’s backs inside and outside of the house. 
• Completing your assigned block jobs. 
• Helping to cook or clean up, and helping manage all the waste, ensuring bins are put out for emptying. 
• Attending mandatory learning to develop your skills, including CV writing and interview skills. 
• Completing an application for local housing. 
• Obeying the rules around alcohol consumption and the use of illegal substances. 
• Obeying the code of conduct and supporting your housemates as and when you can. 
• Violence or aggressive behaviour against housemates or staff will result in immediate eviction. 
• Supporting our registered charity through fundraising events in the local area. 
• Helping school children understand their story by talking at schools to educate young people through your story and journey. (Voluntary). 
• Agree to work hard and be committed to finding employment, which we will help you do through the Community Support Group (CSG) that we hope to build in and around the local communities of our homes. 

5. Who will be funding the SBH project?

This will become clear as soon as we find out more about what is available from local and central government. We also intend to fundraise in the local areas.  

6. Do I have to be a UK veteran to be eligible to gain a room in one of your houses?  

No. But any eligible veterans will take priority over non-veterans. But if no veterans are waiting for accommodation in the area, we will happily take non-veterans into our homes. Please note that the rules apply to ALL guests, whether veterans or non-veterans. 

7. If I become a guest, what support will be available to me?

To help guests prepare for their progression, mandatory training sessions will be held on topics such as CV writing, interviews, management, leadership, and communication skills, including emotional intelligence. 

We hope to arrange sessions with local healthcare providers, voluntary psychotherapists, and counsellors. We also hope to work closely with diagnostic services for individuals with neurodiverse conditions (or suspected conditions) and get them on the list to explore a possible diagnosis for their suspected condition. Our CEO, Mac Macdonald, is diagnosed as autistic and is an advocate of neurodiversity.