Co-op dividend for NI homeless

A presentation of £21,400 from the Co-operative Movement to Simon Community Northern Ireland for its work with single homeless people has taken place in Belfast.

Anna McAleavy, Regional Secretary of Northern Ireland Co-op, said that representatives of the Co-operative Movement at last year’s Co-operative Congress held in Belfast wished to make a positive impact on the local community by making a substantial donation.

"We were attracted to the work of the Simon Community because they assist the most socially marginalised. The Co-operative Movement is about individuals coming together to work together for mutual advantage and since Simon Community Northern Ireland is dedicated to working together for homeless people, we felt a perfect match of philosophy and direct action.”

Paul Collins, Director – Fundraising Simon Community Northern Ireland added: “We are indebted to the Co-operative Movement for their support in our work for single homeless people throughout Northern Ireland. This donation will provide specialist and innovative training and support for those most in need and enable Simon Community Northern Ireland to continue our work to break the no home, no job, no hope cycle.”

The donation will go towards the direct support of single homeless people by the undertaking of training initiatives for Simon Community residents.

(MB)