22/08/2026
Thanks to Wiltshire Live, Reform UK Swindon (and other Media outlets) for your recognition and detailed story - spreading awareness of Homeless Veterans. It was very rewarding to assist another fellow Veteran, and thanks to this story I’ve already made contact with another brave Veteran!
When Councillors and Council Officers work collaboratively and positively with the Media, the possibilities and accomplishments are limitless!
A former serviceman who had been sleeping rough in Swindon is now off the streets and in temporary accommodation.
Lee Pacheco, who served in the Armed Forces, had been experiencing homelessness in Swindon after an “extremely difficult transition” to civilian life.
His situation changed after he reached out to Swindon Reform UK councillor and fellow veteran, Cllr Simon Lee Howard, who helped progress his housing case with Swindon Borough Council.
Mr Pacheco had seen a news story about Cllr Howard assisting another veteran, Fraser Tennent, with housing challenges, and contacted him via Facebook for advice, after trying to seek help himself.
Cllr Howard reviewed Mr Pacheco’s circumstances, gathered the necessary information and raised the case with Swindon Borough Council.
This led to communication between Mr Pacheco and Council officers, with Cllr Howard remaining involved throughout the process.
Mr Pacheco is now living in temporary accommodation with his dog, Ted, while efforts continue to secure him a permanent home.
He said: “Simon treated me like a human first. That’s the point I’m trying to make.”
Mr Pacheco experienced an extended period of homelessness following a difficult period in his personal life, including family and legal difficulties, financial pressure and eventually the loss of his home.
He slept rough through both freezing winter conditions and recent periods of intense summer heat.
During this time, his dog Ted remained by his side.
Mr Pacheco said: “I would rather sleep rough with my best mate, who is my service animal and helps me.”
Cllr Howard said he was glad his previous work had encouraged Mr Pacheco to reach out.
He said: “I was deeply concerned to learn how long Lee had been struggling and that previous attempts to secure housing had not resulted in the stability he desperately needed.
“Life has taken a great deal from this man. I want to help him take some of it back.
“Getting Lee off the streets is the beginning, not the end.
“I want to see him secure a permanent home, rebuild his life and, hopefully, have his children back within that life too.
“As Veterans, we understand what it means to look after the person beside you.
“Lee served his country and, when he needed somebody in his corner, I was determined that he would have one.
“No Veteran left behind — not when I’m on stag.”
“On stag” is a military expression meaning being on guard or sentry duty and reflects the principle that, while someone is standing watch, nobody should be left behind.
Cllr Howard also praised the council officers involved in Mr Pacheco’s case.
The story comes as Swindon Borough Council continues efforts to improve support for the town’s Armed Forces community.
The Council has pledged to work towards achieving Silver status under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and has supported the naming of Swindon streets in honour of veterans.
Cllr Howard said these gestures are important but must be backed by action.
He said: “Recognition of our veterans has to mean more than words.
“When somebody who served this country needs help, we should do everything within our power to make sure they are listened to and supported.
“One of the things that pleases me most is hearing Lee say that he now wants to pass on the help he received and support other Veterans and homeless people who may find themselves in similar circumstances.
“That is exactly the spirit we should encourage — one person receives a helping hand, rebuilds their life and then reaches back to help the next person.”
Mr Pacheco has said he wants to use his experience to help others in similar situations.
His Christian faith has also remained an important source of strength throughout his experience.
He said: “I trust in God. Have faith, even if it be a mustard seed amount, that what you need will be provided.”
While he remains in temporary accommodation, Cllr Howard said the immediate priority has been met.
He said: “No matter how big or small, messy or complicated your situation may feel, you never have to carry it alone.
“My door is always open, and asking for help is never a burden.
“You may have lost one battle, but you haven’t lost the war — keep fighting.”
✍Original copy by Hannah Walton-Hughes, Local Democracy Reporter
