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25/09/2018
Charity Accused Of Moving Homeless Woman Ahead Of Culture Night
A homeless charity accused of moving a woman out of the Cathedral Quarter ahead of Culture Night have described media reports as "misleading".
A 62-year-old woman had been living rough in Bouy Park – a key venue in the annual Culture Night event – and had a large amount of belongings in suitcases.
It is understood that Culture Night organisers contacted Extern on Friday, 21 September, over concerns that the woman and her belongings would be in danger during the events of the night.
News reports suggested that the homeless charity moved the woman and her belongings to Moat Park in Dundonald and "left her by a tree next to a river".
A number of people criticised the charity, including Hope Outreach for the Homeless(Hope), who commented extensively in media reports.
However, following a meeting between the charities at City Hall, Jim Connor from Hope apologised for the "wrong information that was posted on our site".
Posting to Facebook, Mr Connor said: "All I can say Extern was just carrying out the lady's wishes. I have learned a lesson over the weekend, so from now on any information we receive will be checked out before any thing is posted(sic)."
Posting a statement on their website, Extern wrote: "We respect the rights of our clients to privacy, and so will never make individual comment about any of the people we support, even if stories arise in the media, or online, which are misleading.
"Thank you to everyone who has contacted us today with kind offers of accommodation for the many people who are living with homelessness. Our work continues, and your thoughtfulness and generosity are much appreciated."
A 62-year-old woman had been living rough in Bouy Park – a key venue in the annual Culture Night event – and had a large amount of belongings in suitcases.
It is understood that Culture Night organisers contacted Extern on Friday, 21 September, over concerns that the woman and her belongings would be in danger during the events of the night.
News reports suggested that the homeless charity moved the woman and her belongings to Moat Park in Dundonald and "left her by a tree next to a river".
A number of people criticised the charity, including Hope Outreach for the Homeless(Hope), who commented extensively in media reports.
However, following a meeting between the charities at City Hall, Jim Connor from Hope apologised for the "wrong information that was posted on our site".
Posting to Facebook, Mr Connor said: "All I can say Extern was just carrying out the lady's wishes. I have learned a lesson over the weekend, so from now on any information we receive will be checked out before any thing is posted(sic)."
Posting a statement on their website, Extern wrote: "We respect the rights of our clients to privacy, and so will never make individual comment about any of the people we support, even if stories arise in the media, or online, which are misleading.
"Thank you to everyone who has contacted us today with kind offers of accommodation for the many people who are living with homelessness. Our work continues, and your thoughtfulness and generosity are much appreciated."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
