Communities Minister has praised the tremendous
efforts of organisations and individuals working on the front
line of homelessness in Northern Ireland.
The Minister was speaking during a visit to The People's Kitchen
in north Belfast, a charity which offers support to those facing
crisis.
The Minister spoke to volunteers and service users at the
facility, which provides a drop in and outreach service to people
on the streets, including those rough sleeping or at risk of
rough sleeping.
“We know of the ongoing pressures on our housing system,
and those who are facing homelessness are very much at the sharp
end of those pressures,” the Minister said.
“The People's Kitchen is one of a number of voluntary
organisations assisting some of the most vulnerable in our
community. Collectively, across the government, statutory and
voluntary sphere, there is a determination to address this
problem.
“Last month, I unveiled the Executive's Housing Supply
Strategy, which outlines a way forward to tackle a range of
housing issues in Northern Ireland, including
homelessness. I said then, and repeat now, that
we must be radical in our approach, seeking innovative solutions,
thinking of different ways to respond to
need.
“Work on delivering this continues at pace, and
initiatives to provide more cost-effective accommodation, and
housing for those moving on from temporary accommodation, are
progressing.
“Alongside this, I have provided an additional £6.7m for
the Housing Executive to prevent the risk of homeless service
closures and ensure statutory obligations can continue to be
met.
“As Minister, it is my ambition is to prioritise
prevention and to work with the Northern Ireland Housing
Executive and the sector to ensure that homelessness is rare,
brief and non-recurrent. I recently announced that from
2025-26 onwards the NIHE will receive a specific allocation for
Homelessness Prevention.
“I recognise that it will take time – and a combined
effort – to achieve this ambition, and our immediate short-term
focus must continue to be supporting those currently in
crisis.
“There is also an appreciation that
homelessness is ultimately about individuals and families.
Accommodation is key, but it often has to be accompanied by
support services which recognise the often complex needs of those
who are facing homelessness.
“Today, I'm here to listen and to acknowledge the work of
organisations such as The People's Kitchen. I wanted to hear
about their concerns and hopes for the future, and offer my
sincere thanks for the essential work they do.”
Notes to editors:
- Announced last month, the Loan to Acquire Move-on
Accommodation (LAMA) is a £10m loan fund running for five years
available to Homelessness charities in Northern Ireland looking
to provide well managed, long term, private rented sector
accommodation at an affordable rate.
