Nicola joined us in 2020. She has worked in housing and homelessness for her entire career and believes in collaboration and the involvement of people with lived experience in ending homelessness.

Nicola has worked across Ireland and the UK where she has gained experience in governance, strategic and business planning, financial management, public policy, and research. Previously she was a senior associate with Campbell Tickell, Chartered Institute of Housing Director NI/ROI and Policy Manager with Housing Rights.

Nicola is studying a Masters Degree in Social Science Research.

Paula joined the organisation in December 2023 and brings nearly 20 years’ experience across the community and medical research sectors.

Before joining the organisation, Paula spent 10 years working in medical research, collaborating with partners on a global scale. She held a range of senior roles, including Director of Communications and Recruitment, and developed broad expertise across communications, HR, finance, and strategic and project management.

Paula holds an MSc in Political Communication and Public Affairs. She leads the Business Solutions function, overseeing HR, Finance, IT, and Facilities, and plays a key role in ensuring strong governance, organisational compliance, and the effective delivery of corporate services that support the organisation’s strategic goals.

Declan joined us in 2010 and brought with him international business experience in both Australia and America.

Passionate about food manufacturing and distribution, he was one of two people tasked with setting up the Fareshare Model in Northern Ireland.

He became FareShare NI Operations Manager in 2016 before taking on the role of as Head of Operations for FareShare NI and Home Starter Packs in 2023.

Declan is responsible for leading and delivering the FareShare NI and Home Starter Pack projects, ensuring all operations are upheld to the highest levels of health and safety. Whilst delivering innovative services, Declan maintains exceptional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Kathy has worked in the homelessness sector for over 27 years, volunteering with Homeplus Street Outreach and working within a family hostel.

She joined Homeless Connect in 2009 in the Substance Use Department, where she was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the project. During this time, she also delivered training and coordinated cross-sector placements between the homelessness and addictions sectors. In 2015, Kathy took up the role of PA to the CEO and, in the same year, played a key role in establishing the Home Starter Packs project.

In 2019, Kathy was appointed Manager of the Home Starter Packs project, leading staff and volunteers delivering this vital service. In this role, she oversaw all project activity, monitored impact for service users, produced regular reports for funders and management, and managed procurement and purchasing. She also developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality Home Starter Packs.

More recently, Kathy has played a key role in the development and delivery of Homeless Connect’s homelessness prevention services. This includes the Health Support Program, funded by the Public Health Agency, which provides practical, consistent support to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity through partnerships with trusted frontline organisations. She has also overseen the delivery of Rough Sleeper Packs, distributed twice yearly to frontline services, containing essential items such as sleeping bags, anoraks, hats, gloves, socks, and underwear to support people sleeping rough.

Through her leadership, Home Starter Packs continue to support people moving into new tenancies by providing essential household items that help turn empty properties into homes, reducing financial pressure and supporting dignity, comfort, and stability from day one.

Kathy has now been appointed Homeless Prevention Manager, where she will oversee and further develop these prevention-focused services, supporting people at critical points to reduce the risk of homelessness and improve long-term outcomes.

Róisín joined the FareShare operations team as a Floor Supervisor in 2021. With a background in managing people and projects, and developing teams within the pharmaceutical and communications industries, she has combined this skillset with a genuine passion for helping those in need, to support the work of Fareshare and Homeless Connect.

Róisín was appointed Operations Manager in 2024. Róisín manages the day-to-day running of the FareShare NI warehouse and the food delivery service, ensuring all policies and procedures are compliant with FareShare UK. She is responsible for the recruitment and retention of Community Food Members. 

Mark joined us in 2021. He studied Law with Politics at Queens University Belfast before going on to work for a social policy charity in Belfast.

Mark leads on our policy and public affairs work. He provides the secretariat for the All Party on Homelessness at the Northern Ireland Assembly and regularly engages with policymakers and elected representatives across the political spectrum on issues related to homelessness.

JP joined us in 2023. He has had previous Finance roles at Road Service Northern Ireland, Central Services Agency and over 15 years working for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. He looks after all the financial management at Homeless Connect. He oversees financial operations, developing budgets and providing strategic financial decisions to drive the charity forward.