Homelessness Awareness Week 2017 Starts Today

Even if there was a home for everyone on the waiting list, people will continue to present to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as homeless. The causes of homelessness are varied and often complex. We need to address the underlying reasons for homelessness which include issues such as debt, intimidation, relationship breakdown, growing older, and health issues including addictions.

Around 11,000 households each year are considered homeless.  This number includes those people who are in dwellings, both social and private, which are  unsuitable for their needs.  It also includes households who are without any form of accommodation as well as  those living in hostels or staying with friends and family.  And while some of these may appear to have a roof over their head, it does not reflect the complex and myriad issues around accessibility and space, around financial capability, around feeling safe and secure in their home, and around the basic skills needed to run a home. 

Moving the debate beyond bricks and mortar is a big challenge, but one that Government as a whole is determined to step up to.   The Department for Communities is leading a cross-Government response to focus on tackling the root causes of the issue.  Preventing homelessness and tackling the causes of homelessness is at the heart of these interventions.

There are 3,400 homeless households who have been waiting for a social home for more than 5 years.  This is too long.  We recognise that things need to change.

This is why we are currently consulting on proposed changes to how those in housing stress can be better helped.  We want to ensure that those in the greatest housing need receive priority, with recognition of their time in need.  Our proposals can be viewed at online.  The Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations consultation closes on 21 December 2017.

Of course the development of new homes is another facet in tackling housing stress.  Over the last Programme for Government period, 7,669 new social homes were started against a target of 7,500.  Over 1,600 new homes commenced last year with a further 1,750 planned to start this year.  We can always do more where there is increased investment and land availability.  New builds are a priority, but we need to look beyond housing supply alone to a more holistic approach that responds to the causes of homelessness and the needs of the individual.

The Department will continue to deliver more social homes and manage our current stock more effectively and fairly. We will continue to invest in the Supporting People Programme and homeless services, adapting accommodation or providing services that will help ensure that homes are suitable to an individual’s needs. And we will work with partners across Government and the voluntary sector, not only to support those who are homeless, but equally importantly, to tackle the reasons why people find themselves without a home.

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