The homelessness crisis in Northern Ireland is at a critical point. According to recent statistics, over 17,000 people presented as homeless in 2023, while nearly 29,000 households remain on the social housing waiting list.
Additionally, £38.6 million was spent on temporary accommodation, highlighting the increasing pressure on resources. As of June 2024, more than 58,000 people were categorised as homeless by the Housing Executive, with estimates from the Simon Community suggesting another 25,000 individuals are experiencing hidden homelessness – people who are sofa surfing or living in unstable conditions.
Mark Baillie, Head of Policy and Programmes at Homeless Connect, shared valuable insights during a recent expert panel discussion on Homelessness Prevention in Belfast. As a key figure in shaping the policies and programs aimed at addressing homelessness in Northern Ireland, Mark’s contributions highlighted some of the most pressing challenges and potential solutions to the homelessness crisis in Northern Ireland.
Here are five key takeaways from what Mark had to say during the panel:
The critical role of housing supply in addressing homelessness
Housing supply is a fundamental issue driving the homelessness crisis. If there is one thing to understand about homelessness policy, it is that you cannot prevent and reduce homelessness without an adequate supply of social and genuinely affordable housing. As long as housing availability fails to meet demand, the number of people on the social housing waiting list will continue to grow. Over the last five years, the number of households on the waiting list has relentlessly increased. Without a concerted effort to boost housing stock, particularly affordable and social housing, this trend will persist. More households will experience all of the harms which can come with homelessness unless we find a way to address the supply issue.
Understanding the scale of hidden homelessness
Hidden homelessness, which refers to people living in informal arrangements with friends or family because they have nowhere else to go, is far more common than is often appreciated. Our member organisation, the Simon Community, conducted research which estimated that 25,000 individuals in Northern Ireland may be living in such arrangements. The full extent of the issue is uncertain due to its hidden nature. It’s a critical problem, as many people in these situations live in overcrowded, unsafe, or unstable conditions, which can severely impact their mental and physical well-being.
Putting lived experience at the heart of homelessness prevention
People with lived experience have to be right at the centre of policy design and development. Homeless Connect has invested in engagement with people with lived experience in recent years through the work of our lived experience co-ordinator and now the appointment of a Practice and Participation Manager. We have found this engagement to be invaluable in terms of understanding what works when it comes to responding to homelessness. Over the coming year, our work in this space will continue to develop.
Recognising the crucial role of the homelessness sector in Northern Ireland
The value of the homelessness sector needs to be recognised. It is sometimes claimed that no one is doing anything to respond to the homelessness crisis in Northern Ireland. This is not only untrue, but offensive to the thousands of staff across this society who are working day in day out to provide invaluable support to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Our society needs to understand that we will not get out of the homelessness crisis without an adequately funded or supported homelessness sector.
Summary
It’s crucial that we are not fatalistic about the situation when it comes to homelessness. It’s undeniable that in recent years, the situation has worsened. However, things don’t have to be this way. Other societies around the world have illustrated that it’s possible to prevent and reduce homelessness with the right policies and the right resources to get the job done. Homeless Connect and our members will continue to do everything we can to bring about the shift we need to see to prevent and reduce homelessness here.
