Communities Minister has today announced a
three-year £3.3 million funding package for Housing Rights.
Minister Lyons made the announcement during a visit to Housing
Rights in East Belfast to meet the Board and staff and hear
first-hand how the charity helps households deal with housing and
homelessness problems.
During the visit, Minister Lyons praised the work of those
combating homelessness.
The Minister said: “I have made it clear that
addressing homelessness and increasing the supply of housing are
amongst my top priorities. This three-year funding package will
support the delivery of valuable services, helping those who need
it most. I welcome the opportunity to hear more about the work of
Housing Rights and how their guidance, advice and support has
helped people right across Northern Ireland.
“I also recognise the valuable training on housing issues
Housing Rights provides for the wider advice sector; it is
vitally important that people in crisis have access to accurate
advice and timely support. The collaborative work of Housing
Rights and the organisations and individuals working with
homeless people is critical if we are to prevent the risk of
homelessness and continue to support people who need help in our
society.”
Kate McCauley, Housing Rights CEO, welcomed the Minister's
support and said: “Housing Rights' vision to ensure everyone
has a home is strengthened with support from a range of funders
and partners across government and civil society. Despite our
collective efforts, too many people still wait too long for a
home to meet their family's needs. Our work to deliver
independent, quality, specialist housing advice across Northern
Ireland has therefore never been more needed. We are delighted to
host the Minister's visit to our offices to mark a further three
years of support for our services from his Department.”
Housing Rights has a dedicated service telephone number on 028
9024 5640 for Housing Rights Advice. Information can also be
found at www.housingrights.org.uk/housing-advice.
