Communities Minister announces £3.3m for Housing Rights
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons 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 Housing Rights
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons meets the staff and board of Housing Rights to announce a £3.3m funding boost for the organisation.
- Housing Rights will receive core funding of £3.37m for the period 2025 to 2028 (subject to budget availability).
- Established in 1964, Housing Rights provides independent advice, advocacy, and legal representation for those experiencing housing problems. HR offers training and information on housing and homelessness issues, and it carries out housing and homelessness policy work to affect positive change for citizens. The main aim of HR is to prevent homelessness, help people access appropriate accommodation and, where possible, help people sustain their existing accommodation.
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