Rise in homelessness in Northern Ireland

Homelessness in Northern Ireland has increased by 16% according to new figures.

In the last year almost 16, 426 households presented as homeless to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the equivalent of one in 50 households.

Over 40% of homelessness was caused by conflict in the home while intimidation accounted for 9% of the cases.

“As an accommodation provider we find the demand for emergency accommodation continues to exceed supply ,” said Carol O’Bryan, Chief Executive of Simon Community Northern Ireland . “Unfortunately we are not able to offer accommodation to all of those who approach Simon Community for help .”

Simon Community Northern Ireland was approached by 3,622 people in need of emergency accommodation during 2002-2003 and was able to accept 895 new residents.

“Work is being done at an operational level through the rolling out of the Housing Executive’s Homelessness Strategy to tackle the issue and homelessness has become a priority for the government through the Promoting Social Inclusion initiative .” Ms Bryan continued.

“However since the re-introduction of direct rule there has been a lack of political drive to further these initiatives on homelessness .”

Simon Community has produced a series of billboards to raise awareness about the issue. They can currently be seen across Northern Ireland.

For more information please contact Simon Community Northern Ireland
info@simoncommunity.org
028 9023 2882