We seek to influence policy to prevent and alleviate homelessness in Northern Ireland
Through our policy work we represent the views of our members who provide a range of homelessness services and support them to strategically engage with the political process.
We work collectively with Executive Departments, statutory bodies, elected representatives and civil society to develop policy and legislation that makes a difference to the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
3945
Households in temporary accommodation Jan 23 (91% increase since Jan 2019)
44519
Number of households on Waiting List for Social Housing 31 Dec 2022 ((increase of 70% since 2002/03)
6972
Children Accepted as Homeless (0-17) in 2022
We influence and advise
Policy Forum
We operate a policy forum where members can share their views and help shape our engagement with government. We respond to public consultations and represent the sector on a range of policy working groups.
All-Party Group (APG) on Homelessness at the Assembly
Our work sees us tracking political developments at the Northern Ireland Assembly and keeping our members informed on policy changes that can directly help and support those they work with.
We also provide the Secretariat for the All-Party Group (APG) on Homelessness at the Assembly, which is an invaluable link between the homelessness sector and a cross-party group of MLAs who want to work collaboratively to prevent and reduce homelessness.
We believe in co-design, and work to involve service users in informing policy change through their lived experience of homelessness.
We influence and advise
We bring organisations together who share the same belief that homelessness is not an inevitable fact of life.
We need to engage effectively with government and civil society to ensure that the right legislative and policy frameworks are in place to support people experiencing homelessness and prevent it in society.
Influence alone is not enough and our work is designed to ensure that adequate funding is allocated to targeted programmes that will achieve our vision of ending homelessness.
Northern Ireland should be a place known for how it supports individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
We believe this society should lead the way in how we support those who find themselves without a home.
Latest Policy Documents
Submission to the Mental Health Strategy 2021- 2031 Consultation
Submission to the Housing Supply Strategy Call for Evidence
Communities Committee Private Tenancies Bill Call for Evidence
Housing Supply Strategy
Draft Homelessness Strategy 2022-2027 Consultation
Homeless Connect Manifesto 2022 Assembly Election
Draft Strategic Action Plan for Temporary Accommodation Consultation
Draft Supporting People Strategy 2022-2025
Response to NTQ Consultation
Submission to the Consultation on the Review of Urgent and Emergency Care Services
