24/09/2002

Housing Executive launches homelessness strategy

The Social Development Minister has called for the barriers facing homeless people accessing services to be removed, at the launch of the Housing Executive's new homelessness strategy.

Mr Dodds said: “Everyone must have access to a decent home within a stable and caring community. The Housing Executive’s new strategy will create a modern and effective service, which can make a real difference to the lives of homeless people.

“Tackling homelessness remains a key priority for the Department for Social Development and today’s announcement is the first step in a new approach which will include the setting up of a working group that will cross departmental and sector boundaries. Its task is to break down the barriers faced by the homeless in obtaining those services that the rest of the community take for granted.

“The scale of the homeless problem and the need for more new homes across the province, demonstrates the continuing need for investment in housing.”

Among the recommendations in the strategy are plans for an additional 250 units of temporary accommodation and an extra 180 units of supported accommodation. There is also contained in the strategy a commitment to reduce the Housing Executive’s dependency on bed and breakfast accommodation by 50%.

(MB)

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