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No one sleeping rough in Belfast and Derry, says minister

No one slept rough on the streets of Belfast or Derry for the second weekend in a row, Northern Ireland’s communities minister has said.

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There have been no rough sleepers in Belfast for two weekends in a row (picture: Getty)
There have been no rough sleepers in Belfast for two weekends in a row (picture: Getty)
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No one slept rough on the streets of Belfast or Derry/Londonderry for the second weekend in a row, Northern Ireland’s communities minister @DeirdreHargey has said #ukhousing

Homelessness charities and NIHE had “huge part” in getting rough sleepers off the streets for two weekends in a row, @DeirdreHargey says #ukhousing

Deirdre Hargey said the news was “in huge part down to the extraordinary efforts of the Housing Executive [NIHE] and homeless charities and organisations”.

It comes after the NIHE – which has responsibility for homelessness services in the region – put in place emergency measures to respond to the coronavirus crisis such as sourcing extra temporary accommodation.

Meanwhile, homelessness charities and the NIHE have urged the public to volunteer to help keep services for vulnerable people running during the pandemic.

Ms Hargey said: “I do not underestimate the challenges this situation presents to the homelessness sector. I want to thank everyone working so tirelessly and pulling together to support the most vulnerable at this most challenging time.”

She promised to ensure that homelessness services are “resourced” and that “people are supported” during the crisis.


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Clark Bailie, chief executive of the NIHE, said: “The Housing Executive, together with our partners across the sector, is seeking to safeguard as many homeless people as we can from COVID-19, and to provide accommodation to those on the streets to protect their health and stop wider transmission.”

He added that homeless people will be prioritised for COVID-19 testing.

Street counts carried out by the NIHE in November 2018 identified 38 people sleeping rough across Northern Ireland, including 16 in Belfast and 13 in Derry.

The Crisis Cover Initiative – launched by a group of charities including Quality Matters, Simon Community and Depaul and funded by the NIHE – is asking people with relevant qualifications and experience to sign up to cover homelessness sector workers having to take time off because of coronavirus.

Reception and cleaning staff are needed as well as specialist support, healthcare and night staff. All the positions are paid.

David Carroll, chief executive of Depaul, said: “We are worried that we will be left in a position where we must close services due to too many staff having to take time off.

“We need people to step up and become ordinary heroes. We know it’s asking a lot, but it’s no more than we are asking of doctors, nurses and others who have to go to work every day at this difficult time.”

Nicola McCrudden, senior associate at Campbell Tickell and homeless sector COVID-19 manager at the NIHE, said: “These are unprecedented times. The homeless sector in Northern Ireland is pulling together alongside statutory services to make sure that those living on the streets get the support they need, as well as the families and individuals living in temporary accommodation.”

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