The Executive has pledged to invest over £35million to prevent homelessness in Northern Ireland.

Communities Minister Paul Givan made the announcement at the start of Homelessness Awareness Week, which begins today, 30 November.

The money will be used to provide vital support services including hostels, 'crash' beds and outreach services.

Minister Givan said: "I have seen first-hand the impact of this investment and the services provided by Depaul, Extern and others that make a difference to people’s lives. I have talked to those individuals who find themselves in very difficult circumstances and rely on the vital support services provided by these organisations. I cannot emphasise enough the contribution these services make to giving people a second chance and an opportunity to turn their lives around.

"The draft Programme for Government (PfG) recognises the importance of tackling homelessness. With an overall goal of delivering improved wellbeing for all our citizens, the Draft PfG sets out a range of key actions that will help ensure that homelessness has no place in Northern Ireland. These include a new Homelessness Strategy with a core focus on prevention and addressing chronic homelessness, an additional 9,600 social homes, supporting first-time buyers to purchase a new home, maintaining effective advice services which prevent homelessness, ensuring that the private rented sector is a good housing option for everyone including families and providing support to people to live independently."

(CD)