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A former soldier who served for more than a decade has said the housing system is “absolutely broken” after he spent 15 weeks sleeping in County Durham woodland while waiting for social housing.
Blair Murray, 44, served with the Royal Logistics Corps until 2010. He was made homeless by a landlord last year and spent months staying with friends before setting up camp in woodland near Crook.
Mr Murray said he had a job and counselling sessions arranged but could not proceed with them without a fixed address.
Blair set up camp in woodland near Crook for 15 weeks while he waited for social housing.
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He said he felt unable to accept hostel accommodation due to past struggles with addiction and concerns about being surrounded by drugs and alcohol.
Mr Murray said: “The whole process has been one excuse after another. The whole system is absolutely broken. It is not just myself I am worried about.
“I was passed from pillar to post because I was being passed to the wrong people. I am now in touch with the right people, the homelessness team, and they are the ones who should have had my case from day one.”
He is now in temporary hotel accommodation arranged by Durham County Council while a longer-term solution is organised, but said he remained uncertain about his future.
Mr Murray said: “I just want somewhere stable where I can have a base and sort my problems out without worrying.
“If I have to go back to private housing, I need a guarantor and everything else. How am I meant to get that when I do not have family or friends who can do it for me?
“The council have said they are keeping me in temporary accommodation until something more suitable comes up, but I still do not know whether I will be accepted for social housing, which has been stressful.”
Blair set up camp in woodland near Crook for 15 weeks while he waited for social housing.
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Glyn Strong, from Veterans Aid, said no veteran should be homeless.
He said: “No veteran should be homeless, nor do they need to be. There is ample provision, nearly 2,000 military related charities and support organisations in the UK, if people know where to go.
“Any veteran who seeks help from Veterans Aid because they are homeless, or facing the prospect of homelessness, is helped immediately, if necessary, through provision of emergency accommodation and other support until a more permanent solution can be found.
“We are London-based, but operate nationally and internationally. We are extensively networked and deal with housing organisations around the UK, and there are several in the North East.”
Veterans Response CIC has supported Mr Murray with food parcels, essential supplies and help accessing support services.
Its chief executive Ian Driver said: “When I asked where he was, he said he was in the woods. I bought some food for him and little bits, then found out he had been there for about eight weeks.
“He had a basher, which is basically a sheet between two trees to keep the weather off. He was surviving in the woods and was convinced he was going to be there over the winter.
“The main thing is getting him a property. He needs somewhere to get his head together. We can help him get work, but jobs need an address. We managed to get some benefits sorted through the Jobcentre, but it is not a great deal.”
Blair set up camp in woodland near Crook for 15 weeks while he waited for social housing.
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Mr Driver added: “He is a genuine, lovely lad. He had got into a very dark place when I first met him. We have been providing food and helping him access veterans’ services, but the main thing is getting him a property.”
A fundraiser has been launched to help Mr Murray with essentials while he waits for permanent accommodation. You can donate via the GoFundMe page.
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Christopher Hepworth, Durham County Council’s homeless prevention manager, said: “We are continuing to support Mr Murray with temporary accommodation while we identify a suitable long term housing solution, such as supported accommodation, private rented housing, or social housing.
“We provide extensive support to help veterans find homes. Our AFOS supports serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families by providing practical advice and connecting them with the services and help they need within their local communities.
“For support, people can contact armedforcesoutreachworker@durham.gov.uk.”