Menu
11/12/2024
New £10m Homelessness Services Loan Scheme Announced
A new £10 million loan scheme to support homelessness charities to provide well managed, long term, private rented sector accommodation at an affordable rate, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
The new Loan to Acquire Move-on Accommodation (LAMA) scheme follows Executive agreement on the Housing Supply Strategy, which outlines a collective way forward and highlights the need for new approaches to a range of housing issues in Northern Ireland.
Minister Lyons has stated: "I am pleased to be launching this new programme during Homelessness Awareness Week. I have said that we must be radical in our approach to housing, seeking innovative solutions to problems, thinking of different ways to respond to need, and this is exactly what this money will do.
"It uses Financial Transactions Capital to provide loans so that experienced charities in the homelessness sector can buy additional homes to provide move-on accommodation and help people transition through the system more quickly.
"I have seen firsthand the amazing work homelessness sector charities do in their hostels, however assisting people into an independent private tenancy will make a considerable difference to people’s lives. Ensuring people can access secure tenancies, with appropriate support, will provide them with opportunities to gain a greater level of control over their lives, reconnect with family, or simply feel part of a community again."
The new Loan to Acquire Move-on Accommodation (LAMA) scheme follows Executive agreement on the Housing Supply Strategy, which outlines a collective way forward and highlights the need for new approaches to a range of housing issues in Northern Ireland.
"It uses Financial Transactions Capital to provide loans so that experienced charities in the homelessness sector can buy additional homes to provide move-on accommodation and help people transition through the system more quickly.
"I have seen firsthand the amazing work homelessness sector charities do in their hostels, however assisting people into an independent private tenancy will make a considerable difference to people’s lives. Ensuring people can access secure tenancies, with appropriate support, will provide them with opportunities to gain a greater level of control over their lives, reconnect with family, or simply feel part of a community again."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 November 2003
Figures show rise in Belfast homeless
Almost 23,000 people were classed as homeless in Northern Ireland last year, according to a leading charity. The Simon Community, which provides a service to homeless people in 18 locations across the province, said that there had also been a 13% rise in the numbers of homeless in Belfast.
Figures show rise in Belfast homeless
Almost 23,000 people were classed as homeless in Northern Ireland last year, according to a leading charity. The Simon Community, which provides a service to homeless people in 18 locations across the province, said that there had also been a 13% rise in the numbers of homeless in Belfast.
03 March 2023
New Homeless Shelter For Women Announced In South Belfast
A new, bespoke, supported accommodation-based service for women experiencing homelessness is to be opened in south Belfast, the Welcome Organisation has announced. The new facility, Catherine House, was commissioned by the Housing Executive and funded through the Supporting People Programme.
New Homeless Shelter For Women Announced In South Belfast
A new, bespoke, supported accommodation-based service for women experiencing homelessness is to be opened in south Belfast, the Welcome Organisation has announced. The new facility, Catherine House, was commissioned by the Housing Executive and funded through the Supporting People Programme.
26 November 2012
Durkan Backs NI's National Homelessness Week
SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan has given his backing to the Council for the Homeless NI's National Homelessness Week. The Foyle MLA was speaking in advance of events taking place to mark the Week, including a sleep-out in Derry on Wednesday, which Mr Durkan will be taking part in.
Durkan Backs NI's National Homelessness Week
SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan has given his backing to the Council for the Homeless NI's National Homelessness Week. The Foyle MLA was speaking in advance of events taking place to mark the Week, including a sleep-out in Derry on Wednesday, which Mr Durkan will be taking part in.
27 July 2021
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
28 June 2023
Simon Community Welcomes Prince William's Homelessness Initiative
The Simon Community has welcomed a new homelessness initiative launched by the Prince of Wales.
Simon Community Welcomes Prince William's Homelessness Initiative
The Simon Community has welcomed a new homelessness initiative launched by the Prince of Wales.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy but dry through the evening and during the overnight period, though some clearer spells may develop in the west towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
