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17/01/2013
NI Homeless Numbers Set To Grow
Hundreds of people in Northern Ireland face being made homeless this year, according to a local charity.
The Simon Community says a total of 5,047 households presented as homeless to the Housing Executive during April to June 2012.
This showed a rise of 878 compared to the same quarter in 2011.
Simon Community chief executive Carol O’Bryan said: "Increasingly we're dealing with the 'new homeless', people who have been living fairly comfortably until hit by job loss, family break-up or another crisis.
"Their savings soon run out and suddenly they find they can't meet the mortgage payments or pay the landlord.
"Often they turn in desperation to the quick fix loans they see advertised on TV, not realising that the high interest charged by many will only add to their problems."
The charity says more and more people are turning to it for help with accommodation. The numbers have risen from 1,972 in 2009/10 to 3,652 in 2010/11.
13,400 calls were received through the charity's new freephone helpline in 2011/12.
Ms O'Bryan said it was dealing with families who did not fit "society's traditional stereotype of the homeless".
"They aren't running away from anything, they are not transitioning out of care, they don't have mental health issues, alcohol or substance abuse problems," she said.
"Their pride means that they often hide their difficulties and the family support system which, thankfully, still exists in Northern Ireland means that they are more likely to be 'sofa surfing' around relatives' homes than actually on the streets.
"They still need help, however, and we are calling for active intervention now to stop homelessness in Northern Ireland getting out of control."
(IT)
The Simon Community says a total of 5,047 households presented as homeless to the Housing Executive during April to June 2012.
This showed a rise of 878 compared to the same quarter in 2011.
Simon Community chief executive Carol O’Bryan said: "Increasingly we're dealing with the 'new homeless', people who have been living fairly comfortably until hit by job loss, family break-up or another crisis.
"Their savings soon run out and suddenly they find they can't meet the mortgage payments or pay the landlord.
"Often they turn in desperation to the quick fix loans they see advertised on TV, not realising that the high interest charged by many will only add to their problems."
The charity says more and more people are turning to it for help with accommodation. The numbers have risen from 1,972 in 2009/10 to 3,652 in 2010/11.
13,400 calls were received through the charity's new freephone helpline in 2011/12.
Ms O'Bryan said it was dealing with families who did not fit "society's traditional stereotype of the homeless".
"They aren't running away from anything, they are not transitioning out of care, they don't have mental health issues, alcohol or substance abuse problems," she said.
"Their pride means that they often hide their difficulties and the family support system which, thankfully, still exists in Northern Ireland means that they are more likely to be 'sofa surfing' around relatives' homes than actually on the streets.
"They still need help, however, and we are calling for active intervention now to stop homelessness in Northern Ireland getting out of control."
(IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
