Ritchie visits homeless housing project in Lurgan

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today paid tribute to the work of the Lurgan Foyer, a housing project for homeless young people.

Lurgan Foyer is a project to help homeless people move back into independent living and work.

It gives young homeless people the chance to realise their full potential by delivering a holistic service that integrates accommodation with training, job search, personal support and motivation.

During a visit to the project at Mount Zion House, Margaret Ritchie said: “The New Housing Agenda is all about delivering opportunity and choice for all members of society. That is why supported housing projects like this continue to be so important. All young people need a springboard into independent living, learning and work. For those who don’t get that help, Foyer fills the gap.”

The Minister heard from residents how the support offered had helped them break the ‘no home, no job, no home cycle’ and assisted them through a difficult period in their lives.

Commenting on the work of the Shankill (Lurgan) Community Projects group who run the facility, the Minister added: “I congratulate everyone involved, both staff and residents alike, on what they are achieving here. The Lurgan Foyer gives hope, where perhaps, there was none before.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Lurgan Foyer is owned by SHAC Housing Association and is managed on a day to day basis by Shankill (Lurgan) Community Projects. It is situated in the former St Joseph’s Convent which was bought and renovated in 1999 at a cost of some £2.0million.
2. There are currently 16 residents, aged 16-25; whose average length of stay is 15 months. Throughput is some 28 residents per annum.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.