Menu
04/11/2004
NI homeless figure falls by 8% in last year
The number of homeless people in Northern Ireland has fallen over the last six months, the Housing Executive today revealed.
The number of households found to be homeless from April to September was 4,244, a reduction of over 8% on the same period last year.
More than half of those who are found to be homeless are re-housed in permanent accommodation within three months, two-thirds are re-housed within six months, and 86% within a year.
The Housing Executive also revealed that 97% of all homeless applications are now assessed within 33 days – 2% higher than the target set by Government.
Commenting on the figures, Brian Rowntree, Chairman of the Housing Executive, cautioned that it was too early to call the reduction a long term trend.
“Last year the number of people claiming to be homeless levelled off, while the numbers found to be actually homeless remained virtually the same. Now, both of those figures have fallen.
“But there is no room for complacency. People become homeless for a variety of reasons that are outside of our control, such as the breakdown of family relationships, so the figures could change again in the future. However, we can control our response and we will ensure that we continue to refine and improve how we deal with this issue, no matter what the figures are.”
Meanwhile, Social Development Minister, John Spellar, today welcomed the publication of a consultation paper setting out proposals for tackling homelessness.
The paper, entitled ‘Promoting the Social Inclusion of Homeless People’, was produced by a review group which brought together people from Government Departments, statutory agencies and the voluntary sector.
The Minister said: "Homelessness is a serious blight on our society and we must do what we can to prevent it. It is a complex problem and the reasons why homelessness occurs are many and varied.
“Becoming homeless is often the start of the process which can create a vicious spiral of other problems leading to homeless people being excluded from society. It is important therefore that we do what we can to prevent homelessness.”
(MB/SP)
The number of households found to be homeless from April to September was 4,244, a reduction of over 8% on the same period last year.
More than half of those who are found to be homeless are re-housed in permanent accommodation within three months, two-thirds are re-housed within six months, and 86% within a year.
The Housing Executive also revealed that 97% of all homeless applications are now assessed within 33 days – 2% higher than the target set by Government.
Commenting on the figures, Brian Rowntree, Chairman of the Housing Executive, cautioned that it was too early to call the reduction a long term trend.
“Last year the number of people claiming to be homeless levelled off, while the numbers found to be actually homeless remained virtually the same. Now, both of those figures have fallen.
“But there is no room for complacency. People become homeless for a variety of reasons that are outside of our control, such as the breakdown of family relationships, so the figures could change again in the future. However, we can control our response and we will ensure that we continue to refine and improve how we deal with this issue, no matter what the figures are.”
Meanwhile, Social Development Minister, John Spellar, today welcomed the publication of a consultation paper setting out proposals for tackling homelessness.
The paper, entitled ‘Promoting the Social Inclusion of Homeless People’, was produced by a review group which brought together people from Government Departments, statutory agencies and the voluntary sector.
The Minister said: "Homelessness is a serious blight on our society and we must do what we can to prevent it. It is a complex problem and the reasons why homelessness occurs are many and varied.
“Becoming homeless is often the start of the process which can create a vicious spiral of other problems leading to homeless people being excluded from society. It is important therefore that we do what we can to prevent homelessness.”
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 December 2024
Christmas Cheer For New North Belfast Residents
Christmas has come early for 12 families in north Belfast as they settle into their new homes. The total cost of the homes located in Alloa Street is £2.6m including grant funding of £1.6m from the Department for Communities through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Christmas Cheer For New North Belfast Residents
Christmas has come early for 12 families in north Belfast as they settle into their new homes. The total cost of the homes located in Alloa Street is £2.6m including grant funding of £1.6m from the Department for Communities through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
16 December 2024
Council Announces Partner For £630m Housing Programme
Belfast City Council has chosen construction firm GRAHAM as its long-term private sector partner to deliver a £630m housing-led regeneration programme. Construction will take place across multiple sites to create residential-led, mixed-use and sustainable developments that will accelerate city centre living.
Council Announces Partner For £630m Housing Programme
Belfast City Council has chosen construction firm GRAHAM as its long-term private sector partner to deliver a £630m housing-led regeneration programme. Construction will take place across multiple sites to create residential-led, mixed-use and sustainable developments that will accelerate city centre living.
16 December 2024
NI Water To Receive £19.5m Funding For New Connections
Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced an additional £19.5 million of funding for NI Water, allowing for water and sewerage connections for 2,300 new properties.
NI Water To Receive £19.5m Funding For New Connections
Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced an additional £19.5 million of funding for NI Water, allowing for water and sewerage connections for 2,300 new properties.
04 November 2019
Shock As Vehicle Rammed On Homeless Charity Building
A building operated by a homeless charity in Belfast has been damaged by a vehicle rammed through its front. Police are seeking witnesses to the incident at the Welcome Organisation on Townsend Street at roughly 12.45am this morning, Monday 04 November. The centre provides life-saving services to the homeless population in Belfast.
Shock As Vehicle Rammed On Homeless Charity Building
A building operated by a homeless charity in Belfast has been damaged by a vehicle rammed through its front. Police are seeking witnesses to the incident at the Welcome Organisation on Townsend Street at roughly 12.45am this morning, Monday 04 November. The centre provides life-saving services to the homeless population in Belfast.
15 August 2003
Co-op dividend for NI homeless
A presentation of £21,400 from the Co-operative Movement to Simon Community Northern Ireland for its work with single homeless people has taken place in Belfast.
Co-op dividend for NI homeless
A presentation of £21,400 from the Co-operative Movement to Simon Community Northern Ireland for its work with single homeless people has taken place in Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A largely cloudy day with occasional rain. Turning drier and brighter for a time in the afternoon and feeling very mild. Light southerly winds becoming strong with gales later along the County Down coast. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these heavy at times. Strong southerly winds, with gales in the evening across eastern counties, becoming westerly later. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
