There has been a call for "immediate and comprehensive" action as new figures reveal more than 18,000 children in Northern Ireland are currently homeless.
Charity The Simon Community has obtained new figures from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive which show the "shocking reality" of homelessness here as 59,518 people are without a home, including 18,567 children under the age of 18.
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People Chris Quinn has said the figures show the "profound struggle" that thousands of families face and that children's futures are being jeopardised by inadequate housing.
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Chris Quinn said: “I cannot emphasise enough the gravity of this situation.
“The increase in homelessness figures, notably the shocking rise to 59,518 individuals experiencing homelessness, including 18,567 children under 18, is a crisis that calls for immediate and comprehensive action.”
With estimates suggesting that the true number of homeless individuals in Northern Ireland could far exceed official figures, the plight of our vulnerable children is more urgent and alarming than ever.
NICCY has requested further clarity from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Commissioner has written to the Minister for Communities requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the figures.
The Commissioner continued: “This crisis is not merely a statistic; it represents the profound struggle faced by families and children who are living in instability, moving from temporary accommodation to unsuitable living situations, often without the security of a proper home.
“Families with children deserve the right to a safe, secure, and stable home. The doubling of children living in temporary accommodation over the past five years is a clear indication of inadequate support and resources available to address their needs.
“These children are not just statistics; they are individuals whose well-being and futures are jeopardised by inadequate housing. As they navigate this uncertainty, we must recognise the long-term impact that homelessness can have on their mental health, education, and overall development.
“We cannot allow the political choices to dictate the futures of our children and families. I urge the government to prioritise the needs of children and families facing homelessness, to expand affordable housing options, and to provide comprehensive support rather than merely reactive measures.”
Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of the Simon Community, added: “Homelessness is not just a statistic – it is families torn apart, children growing up in uncertainty and young people living without hope for their futures.
“Right now, across Northern Ireland, nearly 60,000 people are living out of suitcases, sofa surfing, rough sleeping or trapped in unsuitable temporary accommodation for months, often years. Around a third of those who are homeless are under the age of 18. We believe that this crisis is not inevitable.
“Ending homelessness isn’t just the right thing to do – it will save lives, strengthen communities, and reduce long-term costs to society. And most importantly, it will offer hope for families and individuals across NI.”
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