Over 20,000 people in Northern Ireland presented as homeless between April 2023 and March 2024, with many facing temporary or inadequate accommodation.
The number of households accepted as being homeless by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has consistently increased over the past decade, reaching over 13,000 in recent years.
Families with children account for nearly one-third of all homelessness presentations in Northern Ireland, often struggling with housing instability and unsuitable temporary accommodation.
Rough sleeping in Northern Ireland is a growing concern, though the overall numbers are still lower than in other regions of the UK. 94 people were recorded as sleeping rough in Northern Ireland in 2023.
Homelessness is closely linked to mental health problems, with a significant percentage of those homeless in Northern Ireland also facing mental health issues or substance abuse challenges.
Many people in Northern Ireland experiencing homelessness find themselves in temporary accommodation for extended periods, with the average stay in such accommodation being over 200 days.
The number of children living in temporary accommodation in Northern Ireland has also risen sharply, with over 2,000 children estimated to be affected by homelessness.
The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 temporarily worsened homelessness, as more people lost jobs and faced eviction. However, the government’s emergency measures and support for those affected were vital in reducing rough sleeping.
Social housing availability in Northern Ireland is severely limited, with the waiting list for social housing continuing to grow. The lack of affordable housing exacerbates homelessness, particularly for single people and families.
Government funding for homelessness prevention and accommodation support has increased in recent years, but demand continues to outstrip supply.
How You Can Help:
Homelessness in Northern Ireland is a complex issue, often tied to economic hardship, inadequate housing, and personal crises like mental health or addiction problems. To make a difference, you can support local charities and services such as Homeless Connect, The Welcome Centre, or The Simon Community, which provide vital support to those experiencing homelessness. Volunteering your time at shelters, food banks, or fundraising events is another way to contribute. Raising awareness through conversations with friends or on social media can also help reduce stigma and encourage more people to take action. You can advocate for more affordable housing initiatives and improved mental health and addiction support services by lobbying your local representatives and supporting organizations working towards systemic change. Every small action can contribute to a larger movement for a more inclusive society, where everyone has access to safe and stable housing.