A group representing the homeless in Northern Ireland is calling for a united effort and sustained funding to address the ongoing crisis. Homeless Connect Chief Executive Nicola McCrudden emphasized the need for collaborative action during a conference in Belfast to discuss the deepening homelessness issue and effective strategies from other countries. The event highlighted the importance of sustained funding to combat the crisis locally.
Homeless Connect has been raising concerns about the increasing homelessness in Northern Ireland, with over 30,000 households registered as homeless on the social housing waiting list. The number of people, including over 5,000 children, living in temporary accommodation has reached alarming levels. McCrudden pointed out that social housing has not received adequate attention compared to other public policy areas, leading to a shortage of homes.
Acknowledging that housing and homelessness are now prioritized in the Programme for Government, McCrudden stressed the need for innovative solutions to address the immediate shortage of temporary accommodation and prevent further homelessness. She emphasized the importance of sustained funding and collective efforts across sectors and government departments to effectively tackle the crisis.
The conference, attended by delegates from public, voluntary, and statutory sectors, as well as individuals with lived experience of homelessness, features plenary sessions and workshops focusing on expert insights into addressing homelessness in society. Professor Paddy Gray led a session on housing solutions, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to address the housing challenges in Northern Ireland.
Gray emphasized the urgency of a time-bound housing commission to address the broken housing system and severe housing deficit in the region. He called for a strategic reset in housing policy to effectively tackle the homelessness crisis. The event showcased approaches from the Republic of Ireland and Scotland as potential models for addressing homelessness in Northern Ireland.
The support of sponsors like the Department for Communities, Ark Housing, Choice Housing, the St-Martin-in-the-Fields Frontline Network, and the Public Health Agency was acknowledged for making the conference possible. The collaborative efforts of various organizations and stakeholders are crucial in finding sustainable solutions to end homelessness in Northern Ireland.
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