Ballymena service for homeless people is invaluable: Attwood

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood MLA today attended the open day at the Living Rivers Lighthouse Hostel in Ballymena.

The Living Rivers Lighthouse Hostel provides temporary supported accommodation for vulnerable homeless men aged 18-65 that seeks to empower men to live successful independent lives.

The Hostel provides supported accommodation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 20 homeless men with high support needs and it has a team of 16 paid staff plus volunteers.

Minister Attwood said: “Homelessness is a huge issue for my Department and coming to the Lighthouse Hostel today reaffirms my view that services such as this one for single homeless men within this area are invaluable. I want to pay tribute to the staff here who are making a huge difference to the lives of the people who come through its doors.

“Funding the Lighthouse Hostel through my Department’s Supporting People programme ensures that the service to some of the most vulnerable people in our society is maintained. It is imperative that homelessness services are protected in this current financial climate.

“The present major shortfall in the housing budget cannot be ignored. The continuing need for more social housing cannot be ignored. That is why I will continue to make the case to my Executive colleagues that those most in need must be the first priority when allocating funds to my Department.”

Notes to editors:

1. Living Rivers Trust is a registered charity and is a faith based organisation which provides a combination of temporary accommodation and support to male adults aged 18 years and above, who are homeless.
2. The Hostel has been in operation since January 2002 and provides 20 units of accommodation comprising single rooms with shared facilities.
3. The Department for Social Development currently fund the Lighthouse Hostel through the Supporting People grant at £341k per year.
4. For further information, please contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 454. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.