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Homelessness Awareness Week

Staff members at a coffee morning at the Housing Centre in Belfast check out the non-perishable food which were donated to help support vulnerable households.
Staff members at a coffee morning at the Housing Centre in Belfast check out the non-perishable food which were donated to help support vulnerable households.

‘Turning the Tide’ was this year’s theme for Homelessness Awareness Week (HAW- December 4-10).

To mark the week, Housing Executive Homelessness Local Area Groups - made up of statutory and voluntary groups - hosted a series of events across Northern Ireland to challenge stereotypes and highlight the invaluable work of the homelessness sector.

Catherine Carey, Housing Executive Homelessness Strategy Manager, said: “Homelessness is not only about people sleeping rough but includes other issues such as relationship breakdowns, living in accommodation that does not meet people’s physical needs, and having to make temporary arrangements by staying with friends and family. 

“It also involves wider problems like the lack of temporary accommodation and social housing.

Cakes with the Lord MayorBringing the reality home - Pictured at Newtownabbey Housing Executive’s Homeless Awareness coffee morning and bake-off competition are the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Mark Cooper, Housing Executive staff, community representatives and stake holders. 

“We need to keep discussing homelessness and the issues around it as it is crucial to how the Housing Executive and the homelessness sector respond effectively and bring about eventual change. 

“We continue to work with our key partners to ensure that we provide the appropriate support and assistance for those who need it.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported and attended events this week and who work with us throughout the year to turn the tide of homelessness.”

Advice clinic in Omagh libraryTurning the tide - A team of Housing Executive staff hosted an advice clinic in Omagh Library. (L-R) Liam Doran, Kirsty Dixon, Ashley Moore, Ruth Barr, Christopher Spence and Annette McCarney.