NI Assembly announce Simon Community NI as Charity of the Year 2014

Pat Ramsey MLA, Member of the Assembly Commission said: “I am delighted to announce that Simon Community has been chosen by the staff of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission as its charity of the year. The Assembly Commission is committed to supporting the work of the voluntary and community sector across Northern Ireland.

“At a time when homelessness is affecting more people than ever across Northern Ireland, I am pleased that the Assembly Commission has chosen a charity which provides emergency accommodation, advice and support to people who are homeless and those facing homelessness.

“The Simon Community will benefit from any Assembly corporate fundraising activities which take place in Parliament Buildings this year. It is important to point out that other charities will still be able to host events at Parliament Buildings, with the support of MLAs.”

Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of Simon Community said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Simon Community and we would like to thank the Assembly staff for selecting us as their Charity Partner for the Year. As a local homelessness charity working exclusively in Northern Ireland we are honoured to have been chosen and relish the opportunity to showcase to Assembly staff how we are tackling homelessness in Northern Ireland. More than ever, people are in crisis whether that be through relationship breakdown, debt or through drug and alcohol misuse. Whatever their story, we are committed to ensuring that anyone who is homeless or at risk has an opportunity to get the help that they need and deserve.”