DSD Minister Announces Some Christmas Cheer For Homeless

20 December 2005
DSD MINISTER ANNOUNCES SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR HOMELESS
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today announced the Department for Social Development's traditional bonus to provide seasonal support for homeless people.
During a visit to the Housing Executive's Homeless Advice Centre in Great Victoria Street, Belfast, he complimented the staff and the voluntary sector representatives on their work.
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP with Margaret Reid from the Housing Executive’s Homeless Advice Centre in Belfast.

The Minister said: "This is a particularly difficult time of year for those who find themselves homeless and I am pleased that again this year DSD can make Ł40k available through the Housing Executive to provide for non housing items such Christmas dinners and other things that we all take for granted and which make life more bearable.
"I know that this year the money will go towards helping all those who are homeless not just the rough sleepers.
"I have previously made it clear that I want to focus on the vulnerable members of our society and to do everything possible to ensure that they have the same opportunity as the rest of society. The work of the voluntary and community sector and the Housing Executive staff helps to ensure that this becomes a reality."
The Minister also met staff from a special support team for the homeless which is managed by the charity Extern and which includes practitioners such as social workers and others with specialist skills and experience relevant to the homeless. Its role is to ensure that the complex needs of homeless people are assessed and adequately addressed.

Social Development Minister David Hanson MP Kim Kerr (Extern Homeless Support Team), Ricky Rowledge (Council for the Homeless), Minister, Captain Howard Russell (Salvation Army)

The Minister said: "The role of the Homelessness Support Team is both to help the statutory and voluntary agencies to help the homeless and to help the homeless themselves through identifying the problems that contribute to their situation and ensuring that the proper support is in place. This work complements the role of the Housing Executive staff who provide advice and arrange appropriate accommodation and support.
"I have been greatly impressed and encouraged by the willingness of all those involved in the housing field, both in the statutory bodies and voluntary organisations, to meet the challenges that continually arise. I am confident that this will continue in the future particularly in regard to homelessness."
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP with Joe McGuigan (Welcome Day Centre), Lilian Cairns (Welcome Day Centre), Minister, Maria Hammond (Homeplus)

NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Since Christmas 2000, around Ł240,000 has been made available for the homeless for non housing purposes. This has help ensure that the homeless have been provided with Christmas dinners, personal hygiene products and clothing.
2. Many people who are homeless are vulnerable and have other underlying problems rather than simply not having a roof over their head. The Multi-Disciplinary Homelessness Support Team ensures that the needs of the homeless, some of which are complex, are properly addressed and appropriate support and accommodation provided.
3. Supported housing services have an important role to play in helping vulnerable people to live independent lives in the community and reducing the scourge of homelessness. Both the statutory bodies and the voluntary organisations play a crucial role in providing support.

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