Overnight on Tuesday 22 July, the Welcome Organisation site on Townsend street was significantly damaged after a car was rammed in to the building and set alight.

Nicola McCrudden, CEO of Homeless Connect said:

“This arson attack on the Welcome Organisation is appalling. It is an attack on an invaluable service, working to support some of the most marginalised people living in Belfast. It is simply deplorable for a homelessness service to be attacked in this way.

Welcome has been a longstanding member of Homeless Connect for many years. I visited the team at Townsend Street just last week to hear about developments at the service. I know just how valuable the work they do is.

The homelessness sector stands in solidarity with Welcome at this incredibly challenging time. We will continue to support staff in the weeks and months to come and seek the best outcome for people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Belfast.”