Over 5,600 households in temporary accommodation in latest homelessness figures

The Department for Communities has released the latest Northern Ireland homelessness bulletin, covering the period from October 2025 to March 2026. The statistics show that the number of households living in temporary accommodation has risen again, reaching 5,633 in April 2026. This is an increase of 79% over the last five years (3,140 in Jan 2021). The statistics show that in April 2026, 4,837 children aged under 18 were living in temporary accommodation (2,512 aged nine and under). This is an increase of 65% since Jan 2021 when 2,935 children were living in temporary accommodation.

Nicola McCrudden, Chief Executive of Homeless Connect said:

“Every child deserves the stability of a safe home. But today, almost 5,000 children are growing up in temporary accommodation, without that secure foundation.

At a time of heightened public concern about immigration and pressure on public services we need to be clear about what is driving homelessness. The challenges we see are not new – they are the result of long-term policy decisions over many years, particularly the failure to build enough social and genuinely affordable homes. Without addressing that, the pressure on low-income families and children will continue.

We know that change is possible – building more social homes, alongside sustained investment in support services, would help to ensure families can access stable housing more quickly. However, the current budget situation is making this much harder. Short-term funding and ongoing uncertainty are placing homelessness services under significant strain.

Turning to recent events, we cannot ignore the impact that violence in our communities can have on already vulnerable families. No one – regardless of their background or ethnicity – should be made homeless or put at further risk because of unrest or intimidation in their area. Protecting people from displacement and ensuring communities remain safe and supported is essential if we are to prevent and reduce homelessness here.”