Minister opens doors for homeless in Enniskillen

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today opened newly renovated premises for First Housing Aid and Support Services (FHASS) in Queen Street Enniskillen.

FHASS mainly targets the more vulnerable within the homeless population. The renovated centre includes modern IT and kitchen facilities to help vulnerable people acquire the basic life skills for independent living or to get employment. The facilities have also been adapted for users and staff with disabilities.

Alex Attwood said: “The modern office and training facilities will help ease homelessness in Enniskillen in a worthwhile and practical way. The homeless are among the most vulnerable in society and I welcome the opportunity to provide funding to help people live independently and gain employment. I also commend FHASS for the work they do while embracing the ethos of a shared future."

Addressing the Modernisation Fund which is financing the venture, the minister said: “I want to see the Modernisation Fund provide the most modern facilities to make community based initiatives more effective. The fund is about providing support to organisations throughout Northern Ireland, enabling them to deliver better services to their local communities.’’

Chairperson First Housing Mrs Catherine Cooke said, “We are very pleased by the commitment shown by the DSD Modernisation Fund towards sustaining and improving this project in the Enniskillen area. It demonstrates that people in need should have access to quality services that are inclusive, person centred, that promote and enhance opportunities to find and keep accommodation, ultimately, focused firmly on preventing homelessness”.

The Department of Social Development contributed £50,000 to the project through its Modernisation Fund.

Notes to editors:

1. The objective of the Modernisation Fund is to support voluntary and community organisations to modernise to enable them to become more sustainable and deliver new and better services in an era of change. The capital programme will encourage collaboration and resource sharing among voluntary and community groups and will be managed across the schemes making up the programme.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078 / 07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.