Menu
22/02/2002
NIHE unveiled radical plans to tackle homelessness
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has unveiled far-reaching plans to tackle the rising problem of homelessness in the province.
According to a review carried out by the Housing Executive, almost 13,000 people registering as homeless in Northern Ireland last year. The review concluded that the usual ways for tackling homelessness are "no longer enough".
Paddy McIntyre, chief executive of the Housing Executive, told a Stormont assembly inquiry into homelessness on Thursday February 21 "we must do more and we must do it differently".
Last year, a total of 12,694 people presented themselves as homeless to the Housing Executive, with almost 10,000 being accepted.
Direct costs to the Housing Executive were approximately £17 million last year with £3 million additional funding obtained by voluntary groups.
Mr McIntyre said the review's recommendations for overhauling the current system fell under three main headings: prevention of homelessness, the unsuitability of temporary accommodation and the need to increase permanent housing for the long term homeless.
These recommendations by the Housing Executive would mean in real terms the reduction of bed and breakfast use by 50 per cent combined with the creation of 250 temporary housing units. The review would also to see the creation of 180 new units for permanent homeless.
Mr McIntyre said: "The Review proposes new ways of developing and providing a range of services required to tackle homelessness. These present new challenges for Government agencies and the voluntary sector.
"It is imperative that increased priority is given to homelessness and that adequate funding is allocated to bring about the changes needed. It is the Housing Executive's duty to ensure that help is available to those faced with the crisis of homelessness."
(AMcE)
According to a review carried out by the Housing Executive, almost 13,000 people registering as homeless in Northern Ireland last year. The review concluded that the usual ways for tackling homelessness are "no longer enough".
Paddy McIntyre, chief executive of the Housing Executive, told a Stormont assembly inquiry into homelessness on Thursday February 21 "we must do more and we must do it differently".
Last year, a total of 12,694 people presented themselves as homeless to the Housing Executive, with almost 10,000 being accepted.
Direct costs to the Housing Executive were approximately £17 million last year with £3 million additional funding obtained by voluntary groups.
Mr McIntyre said the review's recommendations for overhauling the current system fell under three main headings: prevention of homelessness, the unsuitability of temporary accommodation and the need to increase permanent housing for the long term homeless.
These recommendations by the Housing Executive would mean in real terms the reduction of bed and breakfast use by 50 per cent combined with the creation of 250 temporary housing units. The review would also to see the creation of 180 new units for permanent homeless.
Mr McIntyre said: "The Review proposes new ways of developing and providing a range of services required to tackle homelessness. These present new challenges for Government agencies and the voluntary sector.
"It is imperative that increased priority is given to homelessness and that adequate funding is allocated to bring about the changes needed. It is the Housing Executive's duty to ensure that help is available to those faced with the crisis of homelessness."
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2021
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
19 August 2024
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
23 May 2012
Housing Association Asked To Give Public Money Back
A social housing provider has been asked to return £835,000 of public funds after failing to get planning permission on a Co. Down site. Belfast-based Trinity Housing Association bought half an acre of land in Crossgar in 2007, at the height of the property boom.
Housing Association Asked To Give Public Money Back
A social housing provider has been asked to return £835,000 of public funds after failing to get planning permission on a Co. Down site. Belfast-based Trinity Housing Association bought half an acre of land in Crossgar in 2007, at the height of the property boom.
11 December 2001
Dodds announces £4 million housing scheme
The Minister for Social Development Nigel Dodds has unveiled a £4 million housing development which will provide 40 new homes for the people of the New Lodge area in north Belfast.
Dodds announces £4 million housing scheme
The Minister for Social Development Nigel Dodds has unveiled a £4 million housing development which will provide 40 new homes for the people of the New Lodge area in north Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
