Strategy will give more support to homeless people

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today welcomed the Executive’s agreement to her proposed strategy to promote the social inclusion of homeless people or those at risk of homelessness.

The strategy, approved by the Executive Committee yesterday, aims to promote social inclusion for homeless people and was the subject of a thorough consultation process.

The Minister said: “Not having a home is one of the worst things that can happen to people and, unfortunately, homelessness has increased dramatically in recent years and is now being faced by more than 20,000 households. This strategy will help us address the human stories of distress and anguish that lie behind the statistics.

“Our consultation highlighted the need for a strategic, multi-agency approach to ensure that homeless people and those threatened with homelessness can access the services to which they are entitled. Now that the strategy has the endorsement of the Executive, we can move forward in developing support services for the most vulnerable groups in our community.

“I intend to publish the document and initiate the Steering Group in the very near future.”

Notes to Editors:

Media enquiries to DSD information Office on 028 90829497.