Communities Minister has announced an additional
£2.5 million funding package for the Northern Ireland Housing
Executive (NIHE) to boost homeless prevention services.
Minister Lyons highlighted the funding during a visit to the
final training session for the national teams taking part in the
Homeless World Cup in Oslo at the end of August.
Meeting the teams, Minister Lyons praised the work of Street NI,
a local charity which aims to positively impact disadvantaged
groups through football. The Minister
said: “My ambition is the prevention of
homelessness and charities like Street NI are key to this goal.
The stories I have heard today have been truly inspiring and
highlight the continued need to support those in crisis, while
working on innovative ways to prevent homelessness.
“Street NI has provided the players with the opportunity
to represent their country in an international tournament, as
well as an intensive wraparound support service, helping them
transform their lives. This additional funding will
continue to encourage new thinking in our approach to
homelessness and further support NIHE's partners in delivering
critical services for people who are homeless.
"I congratulate everyone on being selected and I wish
them every success in Oslo and for their futures.”
Every year, the Homeless World Cup Foundation delivers a
week-long football tournament that brings together 500 players
representing 48 countries from around the world, all of whom have
faced homelessness and social marginalisation.
Northern Ireland will be represented by both a male and female
team who will compete in a purpose-built arena in the heart of
the host city.
Justin McMinn, CEO and co-founder of Street Soccer Northern
Ireland, said: “This is a dream come true for all the players, a
chance to represent your country in a sport that you love. Over
the last 12 years we have witnessed the impact this event has on
the players, with many of them breaking out of homelessness and
unemployment on their return. They will come back full of
confidence and motivation to make positive changes in their
lives.”
Louise McConnell is attending the tournament as a mentor for the
women's team this year, having represented Northern Ireland last
year. She highlighted how beneficial the experience has
been, saying: "Playing in the Homeless World Cup in
South Korea last year was one of the best experiences of my
life and it was a proud moment for me to captain the side. This
year I get to go back as a coach mentor to help other
people on their journeys and pass on my knowledge and
experience. Street NI has made a massive difference in my life
and now I want to help the charity make a difference to
others.''
Alongside football, Street NI offers support with housing,
employment, education, addictions and mental health issues.
