New Housing Advice Resource for Migrant Workers
The Housing Rights Service, Northern Ireland’s specialist housing advice charity, has recently developed new online housing advice information specifically for migrant workers.
Funded by the Housing Executive, www.housingadviceni.org contains over 800 pages of practical housing advice. There is now a dedicated section for migrant workers available in six different languages covering key areas including: renting privately, Houses of Multiple Occupation, intimidation, discrimination and harassment.
Healy King, ICT Project Manager with Housing Rights Service commented: “With increased numbers of enquiries from migrant workers there is a clear need to address this group’s problems. We believe online information, that is available in the client’s own language, will provide quick and accessible assistance for those who need it most.”
As a growing part of Northern Irish society migrant workers can be particularly vulnerable to housing problems due to the language barrier and varying legal and employment statuses. Migrant workers are often affected by poor housing conditions as well as exploitative and discriminatory practices.
Our Chairman Brian Rowntree said: “The Housing Executive has a close working relationship with Housing Rights on a day to day basis through individual case work and co-operation on the development of housing advice material. The Housing Rights website which is funded by the Housing Executive provides essential independent information and advice on housing and homelessness issues. The addition of material for migrant workers is a welcome addition. I would like to take this opportunity to commend Housing Rights on the excellent service they provide to the whole community.”
Multi lingual promotional materials will be distributed to agencies and community organisations dealing with migrant workers to increase awareness of the new resource.
18 Dec 2008
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