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HOMELESSNESS CRISIS An Independent Social Affairs Magazine www.viewdigital.org Issue 44, 2017 £2.95 Across the UK three million working families are just one paycheck away from losing their home Supported by Simon Community NI and Choice Housing
Crisis must not become a catastrophe
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 2
P
olicymakers and stakeholders Three years ago Kenny was on the
discussed housing priorities at a front cover of VIEW magazine. He had
conference in Belfast recently. been homeless from an early age;VIEW
Nichola Mallon gave an impassioned editor Brian Pelan caught up with him to
plea to tackle homelessness; as an MLA she find how he turned his life around. He
introduced a Private Member’s Bill to the now has his own front door key, a home
Northern Ireland Assembly, which would for himself and his family.
have placed a statutory duty on all People like Kenny should be part of
government departments to tackle the conversations with policy-makers and
homelessness but the bill fell with the stakeholders because homeless people are
collapse of the Assembly in January. not just statistics.
Her sense of disappointment that the Reports show that there are close to
bill did not become law was palpable. 12,000 homeless in Northern Ireland, only
Placing a statutory duty on each 3,000 new homes were built here this year
government department, in our view, could and there are 20,000 vacant homes.
have helped decision-makers to ‘join the More needs to be done by
dots’ on homelessness and find a solution By Una Murphy decision-makers. They must ‘join the dots’
to what our guest editor Jim Dennison of VIEWdigital publisher before the homelessness crisis becomes a
Simon Community NI calls a “crisis”. Email: unamurphy@viewdigital.org catastrophe.
Spotlight on social affairs
Contact Brian Pelan at brianpelan@viewdigital.org
if you enjoy our work and want to support a
themed issue of VIEW magazine in the future
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Editorial
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 3
VIEW, an independent social affairs
magazine in Northern Ireland
‘’
By guest editor,
Jim Dennison,
Chief Executive,
Simon Community NI
V
ery often the word ‘crisis’ is over- homelessness. All of these problems are
used. Sometimes it is used to hard to address. So, if we think of ‘crisis’
overstate something which is a being a period of intense difficulty, the use
problem. I have stated for some time of that word is appropriate.
Recent budget
now – as others have who work to end We are also living in a very dangerous
homelessness – that we are in a homeless time and again I use that word with some
cuts to support
crisis. I don’t use that word lightly. caution, yet justification. Indications from
The literal definition of crisis is ‘a time England, Scotland and Wales clearly show
homeless
of intense difficulty or danger’. Make no that welfare reform is having a very
mistake; the issue of homelessness is detrimental effect on those people who
getting worse here. More and more need support. Welfare reform changes
services – and
individuals are finding themselves homeless loom large in Northern Ireland and we can
or becoming increasingly susceptible to the reasonably speculate that the outworking
the threat of
risk of it. During the period of the last of that will not be good for those who are
public government-sponsored potentially the most vulnerable or
Homelessness Strategy (2012-2017), we marginalised in our society.
further cuts – in
have seen a 13 per cent rise in the num- Recent budget cuts to support
bers of those who are officially accepted as homeless services – and the threat of
a time of growing
being homeless from 9,000 to 11,200, since further cuts – in a time of growing
the life of the strategy. demand for these services could
demand for
In that same five-year period, we have have a catastrophic effect on how we
also seen Northern Ireland as a whole tackle homelessness.
experiencing greater debt, less access to A recent academic estimation of
these services
disposable income, have fewer savings and hidden homelessness, i.e. those who are
this has, in part, been responsible for an technically homeless but have not declared
could have a
ever-worrying trend of house repossession themselves as being so, indicates that there
and tenancy eviction. could be as many as 136,000 adults
We have growing and currently in that position. If these three
catastrophic
well-documented issues with an increase in things don’t describe what could be
those suffering from mental ill health and dangerous to people’s lives and welfare I
effect on how
addictions. For all of our talk of a don’t know what can.
newfound peace, we still have a I want to focus on the current crisis
we tackle
government that operates (when it’s but it’s important that I end on a positive
functioning at all) in a fragmented and note. This crisis is fixable. People here have
siloed way. We have a housing waiting list an enormous amount of tenacity and
homelessness
that grows and currently sits at 40,000 goodwill to those who need help. We
households, yet we are building have the creativity for problem-solving and
fewer than five per cent of the homes can be innovative when we need to be.
needed to accommodate these families With this kind of commitment and
and individuals. – if underpinned with proper strategic
We have a largely unregulated private political commitment, adequate resources
rented sector, one that is not sympathetic and openness about the size and
or overly accessible to individuals who are scale of the problem – we could
reliant on social welfare support. All of collectively end homelessness. We should
these things are huge problems in their never lose sight of that nor give up striving
own right. All of these problems cause towards it.
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 4
the BIG interview
‘’
VIEW editor Brian Pelan talks to
Clark Bailie, Chief Executive of the
Northern Ireland Housing Executive,
about their Homelessness Strategy for
2017-2022 and other related issues,
including the Supporting People budget
Q
uestion: What weaknesses Q: What are your views on the
were there in the 2012-17 Housing First policy and should
Homelessness Strategy or increased resources be devoted
do you see it as producing a towards it?
successful outcome.
I don’t think it’s
I know DePaul have done really good work
Answer: We asked the University of York around this and it does seem to offer a
any secret that
to look at that strategy and see how well more successful model for certain groups.
or not we’d done. Looking down at my The idea of putting someone into a house
our board would
notes I think there were 38 strategy or home and giving them that wraparound
actions and they said 31 had been support I think would certainly give that
love to get back
completed and six had been partially individual a lot more confidence and a lot
completed. If you look at what we more support. I would like this supported. I
into building
were trying to do before and what we would like to see how we can reconfigure
want to do going into the future I think the and allocate our funding to allow
houses, but not
big difference is a much greater us to look at that and even more
emphasis on prevention. We think innovative solutions. I can see a role for it
to compete, but
that the last strategy was, by and large, a in certain circumstances, but we have
successful one. Obviously it creates a to go back and see how we can fund these
to supplement
good foundation to move on to new developments.
the future.
and complement
Q: How will welfare reforms
Q: Will the new Homelessness (including the recent introduction
Strategy for Northern Ireland of Universal Credit into
2017-22 significantly reduce Northern Ireland ) impact upon
homelessness? By how much? your efforts to combat the
problem of homelessness?
A: We’re all committed to trying to
eliminate homelessness. I think that’s A: We’re currently the main provider of A: We know from research that has been
aspirational. But we can all certainly do our social housing with our 87,000 properties. carried out in England in particular and
best to work towards it. We haven’t set We’re the majority landlord in social there’s also a Wales audit office report
specific targets yet. housing. We certainly would have which looked at the early implementation
aspirations to play our part to increase the of welfare reform in Wales, that there
Q: Have you carried out a rigorous supply of social housing and extending seems to be an increase in arrears and an
equality assesment of your choice. The issue we have is primarily one increase in evictions and that’s something
homelessness strategy? Are the of funding. As the regional housing that we’re very much focused on. I think
results of it freely available to authority, our responsibility is to we’re grateful that we have the mitigation
the public? administer the housing association grant in place but we’re looking to see, based on
on behalf of the Department for what we can gather from research and
A: Certainly we’ve met our obligations in Communities, so we have a role to play in experience in other parts of the UK,
terms of consultation. We’re looking at the terms of assessing the need for new social what’s likely to happen when the mitigation
impact – but yes, that information should housing developments. I don’t think it’s any comes to an end, if indeed it does come to
be freely available. secret that our board would love to get an end.
back into building houses, but not to com-
Q: Would you like the Northern pete – but to supplement and comple- Q: Would you appeal for Universal
Ireland Housing Executive to start ment. There would be issues around Credit to be halted?
building homes again? Is there a funding.
budget for it? A: Well our statutory responsibility is to
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 5
‘’
Clark Bailie: “We are absolutely committed to the Supporting People budget”
administer a housing benefits system and to try and secure additional funding but it’s
to look to manage as best as we possibly very much bound up in the state of
can the transition from housing benefit to government finances.
the housing component of Universal
I would love to
Credit. And as a non-departmental public Q: What are your views on
body, I don’t think it would be appropriate hostels? Do you envisage them
be able to say
for me to call for it to be halted. still playing a key role in the years
ahead?
that I’m
Q: There was a dispute recently
over a cut in the Supporting A: We’ve a Supporting People programme
expecting an
People budget. Is the Housing Ex- and a homelessness program that has
ecutive still committed to sup- developed over quite a few years and
increase for the
porting it and do you envisage an maybe we’ve reached the point where we
increase in their budget? have to stop and say is this the way we
Supporting
want to do things in the future? I have
A: We are absolutely committed to the quoted some research I have read with
People budget
Supporting People budget, as is the regard to Finland because Finland is very
Department for Communities. The budget often put forward as an exemplar of how
but that would
for Supporting People is £72.8 million. As to deal with homelessness. We shouldn’t
I’ve explained on several occasions now, have any sacred cows, we should be open
be unrealistic
we were faced with a situation where to new ideas.
there were unavoidable cost pressures
and dishonest
within the Supporting People budget, the Q: What is your personal reaction
reintroduction of special needs if you come across someone on
management allowance, the growth of the streets who are homeless. Do
schemes from pipeline schemes that were you give them money?
approved in previous years that are now 2017/18 year we did ask the
coming to maturity. We had a really difficult Department for Communities for A: I think my attitudes have changed, and
decision to make if we were to remain additional funding. At that time they maybe because of my transition from an
within the overall budget. And as weren’t able to provide funding. I accountant to a chief executive. I naturally
accounting officer I have certain obligations submitted an in year bid and I’m delighted relate to them on a human level, that
in that regard in that how can we best to say our colleagues in the Department because of circumstances which I’m sure
reconfigure allocations to stay within the were able to find additional funding and weren’t of their choosing, they find
budget. We decided that we wanted to that is now being allocated to Supporting themselves in a position where they are
protect floating support because we see People providers. As I told the Supporting sleeping rough on the street or they’re
that as a really important aspect of the People providers, that unfortunately is begging during the day. I wouldn’t give
Supporting People program. I did with a non-recurring funding. We will be working them money. The Housing Executive
heavy heart write out to the colleagues in with the Department for Communities to supported a campaign last year which was
the various supporting organisations and see how we can confirm the allocation for run by homelessness organisations, that
confirm to them that we would have to next year. I really want to take this said giving someone money with the best
reduce the non-floating support bit of opportunity to assure everybody we have of intentions is actually allowing them to
their budget this year. At the same time I spent every single penny of that budget on live on the street. What I would do is go
did say that I would take every opportunity Supporting People.I would love to be able back to my office and know that the work
during the year to submit requests for to say that I’m expecting an increase but the Housing Executive is doing is aimed at
additional funding, and when we set our that would be unrealistic and dishonest. trying to help people who find themselves
original budget at the beginning of the Certainly, I will present the best case I can in that situation.
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 6
A place of
sanctuary
as the winter
approaches
Brian Pelan reports on his night visit to a soup kitchen in
Belfast which provides food and warmth to those in need
I
t felt like I’d stepped out of Doc’s onto the streets with three other
DeLorean time car in the Back to the members of an outreach team. Our car
Future films and I had returned to the was packed full of provisions, including
1930s. But no. I was in Belfast on a sleeping bags and hot drinks.
Friday night in 2017 and I was about to I found the experience deeply
visit a soup kitchen. depressing as we encountered a number of
The city’s streets were awash with people who were sleeping rough on the
heavy rain as I entered the building which streets. One man I met, who obviously had
is situated next to St Patrick’s Church on a drink problem, embraced me warmly and
Donegall Street. asked me to say a prayer for him even
The atmosphere was warm and though he said he didn’t believe in religion.
friendly despite the bleak circumstances. Of particular sadness was my
Volunteers bustled around as they encounter with three young women – all
catered to the homeless and those in need Awareness: Paul McCusker in their 20s and who were high on drugs.
of food and someone to talk to. They were huddled together on a street
A sausage stew simmered on the freezing during the night and I found it very corner and were basically living a hand to
cooker and a large table was covered with hard to get heat into me. I just felt mouth situation on a daily basis.
cakes, buns, ham and salad rolls and physically exhausted at the end of it and I We ended the night by meeting a man
chocolate biscuits. Large urns of coffee, was only on the streets for three days.” in his 60s who has been sleeping rough for
tea and soup were stacked up and ready Paul added: “This soup kitchen has more than 14 years. He has refused all
for use. been running for six months. We’re opened offers to enter a hostel and now appears
The incongruity of it all was striking as every Friday and Saturday – from 7pm to to be entrenched in his opposition to living
you were very aware that literally less than 11pm. An outreach team, run by Charlie in a home.
a mile away restaurant goers had their eyes McGarry from Rosemount House on the As the rain poured down, I knelt on
intently fixed on menus as they decided Antrim Road, delivers food, sleeping bags the ground beside him and we chatted for
which feast of food they would opt for, and warm clothes to those living on the a short time. His eyes twinkled and his
and gallons of craft beers, bottles of wine streets of Belfast.” voice was warm. But I couldn’t help think
and cocktails were being consumed by Paul said: “I have personally witnessed about how long can a human being survive
thirsty revellers. a big increase in homelessness, particularly in such atrocious living conditions?
Paul McCusker, who has been working amongst young people.” At the end of our night I was dropped
in the homeless sector for more than eight I asked Paul what he thought were the off at Royal Avenue. I phoned for a taxi to
years and who volunteers in the soup necessary steps to try and make a huge bring me home. As I waited I instinctively
kitchen, is a nurse and a SDLP councillor. dent in the problem. searched in the pockets of my coat for my
“To give myself a better idea of what it “Homelessness is not just a housing own front door key. It felt good to hold it.
is like to be homeless in Belfast, I slept out issue, it is also a health issue. We need a
on the streets in 2014 to try and raise totally collaborative approach from the • Rosemount provides
awareness about the issue. health authorities and the Northern accommodation for those seeking
“I left my house on a Monday and I Ireland Housing Executive to tackle the recovery from alcohol addiction,
didn’t return home until Thursday. problem,” replied Paul. which may also include secondary
“It was a very tough experience. All I After a couple of hours in the soup drug addiction with associated
had was a sleeping bag. I slept in Donegall kitchen where I chatted to some of the health issues (www.rosemount-
Place in the heart of the city. It was individuals who were using it, I headed out houselimited.org/)
COMMENT
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 7
‘’
Can we end homelessness in Northern Ireland?
Dr Beth Watt, a Senior Research Fellow at
Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, says we
should not underestimate the scale of the task
ahead in trying to reduce the homeless figures
T
his year saw the launch of a new strategy is on establishing new delivery
five-year plan to ‘end homelessness mechanisms, monitoring and oversight
together’ in Northern Ireland, processes. Getting these aspects right early
making this a good moment to consider on will be key to success.
progress to date in tackling the issue, and The task of substantially reducing
the strategy’s chance of success. homelessness in over the next five years is
During the winter
For the last five years, action on thus possible, as the wider UK experience
homelessness in Northern Ireland has demonstrates. But the Northern Irish
of 2015/16, a flurry
been guided by the 2012-17 strategy, context comes with its own unique set
underpinned by a vision to eliminate long- of challenges.
of deaths on the
term homelessness and rough sleeping. First, previous enthusiasm for the
During this period, however, levels of exceptionally well-evidenced Housing First
streets of Belfast
official homelessness increased by model for responding to the needs of
13 percent, and approaches to the Housing chronic rough sleepers (which unlike
reinforced the
Executive for homelessness-related traditional models, focuses on providing
reasons remained stubbornly high. During immediate access to permanent housing
most extreme
the winter of 2015/16, a flurry of deaths and the support needed to maintain it), has
on the streets of Belfast reinforced the been replaced by very weak
human costs of
most extreme human costs of
1
commitments in this area in the 2017-22
homelessness for the most vulnerable. Strategy. The likelihood of making
The enduringly high levels of official substantial gains in addressing the needs of
homelessness in Northern Ireland are
particularly striking when viewed in a UK homelessness for the very most vulnerable rough sleepers is
lower that it might have been.
context. Scotland and Wales have seen
substantial declines over the last five years. the most A second and major challenge is the
implementation of welfare reform over the
vulnerable
Looking further back, very dramatic period of the new strategy. Significant
reductions in homelessness occurred in increases in all measures of homelessness
the 2000s in England, while in Northern in England since 2010 clearly show the role
Ireland homelessness was rising fast as a of these cuts in driving up homelessness,
result of affordability pressures linked to particularly in the pressurised housing
the housing market boom across the island prevention, only now is Northern Ireland markets of the south of England. Although
of Ireland. following suit via the role of the Northern Ireland will benefit from
Two central reasons why Northern long-anticipated ‘Housing Solutions and mitigation measures that are the envy of
Ireland has not seen the declines in Support’ approach. This model is inspired the rest of the UK till 2020, the impacts of
homelessness witnessed elsewhere in the in part by Scotland’s preventative ‘Housing cuts implemented before then, and most
UK are worth highlighting.
3
Options’ model, associated with a fall in especially post-2020, amount to a very
First, the previous 2012-17 statutory homelessness of 20 per cent challenging context in which to prevent
homelessness strategy failed on its own since 2010/11. It will see front line staff in and reduce homelessness, let alone end it.
terms. The reasons for this are now clear, Northern Ireland trained to take a Third, the wider political context in
following the publication of an independent problem-solving and holistic approach to Northern Ireland remains exceedingly
evaluation and the most recent addressing the needs of those experiencing challenging, characterised by political
Homelessness Monitor. There is a or at risk of homelessness, with advice on gridlock that has left Northern Ireland
consensus that while the strategy’s vision housing options provided rapidly, and case without a functioning Executive since
was right, its implementation fell short, managers ‘sticking with’ more complex January 2017. The resolution of this
meaning that progress was far slower than cases until homelessness is resolved and political impasse will undoubtedly have
required. Substantial internal changes and longer-term support in place to address implications for responses to
staff turnover within the Housing wider needs. homelessness, in relation to budget
Executive (which has statutory This long-awaited shift towards a allocations, the buy-in of the future
responsibility for homelessness) and a resolute focus on homelessness Minister for Communities and wider
failure to achieve effective prevention, together with an attempt to Executive, and the next chapter in the
inter-departmental buy-in and coordination learn the lessons of the last strategy, Housing Executive’s fortunes.
were key underlying challenges. suggest reasons for some measure of The next five years may, finally, see
Second, while England, Wales, and cautious optimism that levels of effective policy and interventions drive
more recently Scotland have all homelessness might reduce – even down homelessness in Northern Ireland,
re-orientated statutory homelessness substantially – over the five-year life of the but there very clear reasons not to
services towards a strong focus on new strategy. Indeed, a core focus of this underestimate the scale of the task ahead.
COMMENT
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 8
Andy Burnham, the
Mayor of Greater
Manchester, tells
VIEW why he is
determined to end
homelessness and
Andy Burnham: “Our good work is hampered by the
Government’s determination to continue the rollout of rough sleeping
in his city
Universal Credit, a policy that will make the issues of
homelessness and rough-sleeping dramatically worse.”
W
hilst homelessness and rough that we give have changed over the specialist support services around mental
sleeping are issues that did not decades, that sense of community and civic health and addiction.
originate here in Greater pride and a desire to change things for the Work has also begun on ensuring
Manchester, I am committed to tackling better remains. homeless people who wish to be
them with all those who want to help. That As Mayor of Greater Manchester, I registered with their local GP practice can
is why one of my first acts as Mayor was to have been humbled by the compassion, be. We are going to make sure that no
create the Greater Manchester Mayor’s community spirit and charity of local patient is discharged from hospital straight
Homelessness Fund, to which I am people. We don’t like the idea of people back onto the street.
donating 15 per cent of my salary falling through the net – our values simply The Greater Manchester
every month. won’t allow it. It is by harnessing this Homelessness Action Network is the
The fund provides support to the passion and working across all sectors that bedrock of this work; a network of
organisations who are working with we can create a real momentum and make like-minded, passionate individuals who
people sleeping rough. Private businesses, a huge difference to so many. have offered their time, space and
the voluntary sector and residents across There is good work already being expertise to unravel these complex issues
the region have come together to join me done across Greater Manchester by our and co-produce our joint action plan to
in helping those in need. It is this spirit of councils and others but with so many end rough sleeping by 2020, as well as
generosity that inspires me to work even without a secure roof over their heads this reducing and preventing homelessness
harder to help those whose voice is most work can only thrive if we push ourselves over the next 10 years.
often not heard. further and embrace a change to the way But this good work is hampered by
Rough sleeping is the tip of the things are done. the Government’s determination to
iceberg. It is the visible element of a Greater Manchester is receiving continue the rollout of Universal Credit, a
massive social issue with many other £3.8 million as part of a Government policy that will make the issues of
human consequences lying beneath the ‘trailblazer’ scheme in recognition of the homelessness and rough-sleeping
surface; sofa surfing, insecure tenancies, ground-breaking work we are doing in this dramatically worse. My plea to government
families being forced to live in hotels. area, which will enable us to put in place is clear: immediately halt the roll-out of
These are all signs that something is not real solutions to help people to get off the this damaging benefit scheme.
working in our society. They are challenges streets. This includes 24-hour hub-based Homelessness is a crisis that is
that we are all committed to tackling, but services which will provide high quality unfolding on our doorsteps, in our
we recognise that public money alone will support for people when they need it communities. Everyone deserves a home
not be sufficient. the most. to call their own and we should not –
In Greater Manchester, we have a This is bolstered by a £1.8 million So- cannot – turn a blind eye.
legacy of giving and compassion that still cial Impact Bond, which will use money In Greater Manchester, our eyes are
resonates today. The ideas and morals of provided by the private sector to help wide open and it is this strength of
philanthropists like Joseph Whitworth and ensure that those coming off the streets compassion and generosity – which has
John Rylands, and social pioneers like are able to access support which will help seen more than £50,000 donated to the
Elizabeth Gaskell and Ernest Simon live on. them find employment, education or fund - that shows care, kindness and
And while societal challenges and the way training, and enable them to access altruism is alive and well here.
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 9
‘
Tony McQuillan hit out at the Universal Credit system which has been introduced into Northern Ireland
’
Shelter NI does not believe that
the private sector is a panacea
to tackling homelessness
Tony McQuillan, Director of Shelter NI, didn’t pull any punches
when it came to talking to VIEW about the homelessness crisis
I
first met Tony McQuillan, Director of with all those groups of people. support. We also work with nearly 500
Shelter NI, at a housing conference in “Whereas this new strategy is more older people in Limavady, Derry,
the La Mon Hotel, outside Belfast. He is generic. Also the previous strategy had a Magherafelt and Strabane.”
a big man in every sense of the word, has a commitment to end long-term He widened our discussing by taking
genial nature and is not afraid to voice his homelessness by 2020. There is no an opportunity to hit out at the “absolute
opinions about homelessness and what mention of this in the new strategy. nightmare” of the Universal Credit system
needs to be done to tackle it. “Also missing is an analysis of what and he also highlighted the stark difference
Shelter NI, according to its website, they did and didn’t do in the previous between the concept of private housing
“was founded in 1980 and is a charity five years.” and social housing.
whose mission is to promote and facilitate I asked Tony what did he think should “One is out to make money and the
the provision of sufficient, decent and be included in the new Homelessness other is not,” said Tony.
affordable homes to end long-term Strategy. “We needed to continue with a “Shelter NI does not believe that the
homelessness and eliminate poor housing”. model that looks at various groups and the private sector is a panacea to tackling
Behind Tony’s bushy beard and impact of mental illness for example on homelessness.”
twinkling eyes was a mind eager to engage them. There is also a huge omission when I asked Tony does he give money to
and debate. it comes to addressing the question of the homeless people on the streets.
We sat in his office in the centre of supply of housing.” “It’s a good question,” he replied.
Belfast. Over coffee and biscuits, Given the criticisms levelled at the “Personally I wouldn’t. I prefer to buy them
ordered in specially for the occasion, I NIHE, I asked Tony what is his organisation a sandwich or a cup of tea or coffee.”
proceeded to fire off a number of doing to tackle homelessness. I ended the interview by asking Tony
questions to him. “We wear two hats,” he replied. “We that if he had a magic wand when it came
Is the current Northern Ireland have a campaigning side where we try to to the question of tackling homelessness,
Housing Executive’s Homelessness punch above our weight.” what would he do with it?
Strategy a good model, I asked Tony. Tony argued, that as he heads up a “I would want thousands of houses
“No,” he replied. “The previous small organisation, their most effective to be built. The wand would immediately
strategy was better as it looked at a approach is when they link up with other build them.”
number of constituent groups, such as; groups to campaign about homelessness. On that note I finished the interview.
LGBT, single people, older people, etc, and “We also work with young people in I had only scratched the surface. Tony,
came up with a strategy to deal individually Omagh to provide accommodation and I felt, had a lot more to say.
COMMENT
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 10
‘’
Vital services under increasing pressure
Michael McDonnell, Chief Executive of Choice
Housing, argues that his sector needs proper
resourcing if it is to effectively address the
homelessness crisis in Northern Ireland
C
hoice believes everybody should and employability.
have a decent home. Unfortunately, This work is critical and focused
for a variety of reasons, not towards enabling people to take better
everybody does and in the last year, almost control of their lives and move into more
20,000 households presented themselves appropriate long-term accommodation. At
In an extremely
as homeless to the Housing Executive. Choice, we also recognise our
Worryingly, the problem is not responsibility to ensure our customers
uncertain
reducing and this region has the highest have access to the right level of tenancy
comparative level of homelessness in the sustainment support that helps people to
United Kingdom with more than 50 remain in their home. We take care to
budgetary
families or individuals declaring themselves identify households who may be struggling
homeless every day. to manage their tenancy and intervene
environment,
Service providers have been working early to help sustain their tenancy.
with statutory partners to improve the This is augmented with a number of
response, but a prolonged funding freeze community investment schemes that work
Choice and our
for the Supporting People Programme and with local people to help create thriving
a lack of suitable accommodation is inching neighbourhoods.
many valued
more people towards homelessness. In April, the Housing Executive
The issue is in part about housing launched its new Homelessness Strategy.
partners are
supply and that is something that quite This is to be welcomed as it recognises
specifically Choice can deal with and help that the challenges ahead must be met
to support. Housing associations play a with ambition and targeted resources if we
working hard to
vital role in providing affordable housing are to realise the vision of ‘ending
and increasing the supply of housing across homelessness together’.
deliver the
all tenures. However, the vital services that
There were more than 1,500 new provide support to those without a home
social homes started last year and an are coming under increasing pressure, as
homes and
ambition across our sector to go much the numbers of people in need of support
further. Over the next five years Choice continues to rise.
services needed
aims to build more than 2,500 new homes A five per cent reduction in funding
and will be broadening the type of homes for the vital Supporting People Programme
across
and housing options we offer. has been signalled for 2018/19. If this tran-
Providing housing and support for spires – and we must continue to make
those who are experiencing or are at risk the case for increased funding under this
Northern
of homelessness has always been an programme – then accommodation-based
essential part of housing associations’ services currently offered by the voluntary
Ireland
work. Choice and our partners offer a and charitable sector will be at risk. And
range of supported housing that homelessness is likely to continue
provides a safe place to stay for people to increase.
who have been homeless or are at high In an extremely uncertain
risk of becoming homeless. budgetary environment, Choice and our
This includes housing and support for many valued partners are working hard to
people who have been sleeping on our deliver the homes and services needed
streets, including those with mental health across Northern Ireland. We will continue
problems or long-term drug or alcohol to play our part and remain eager to do
addiction, ex-offenders and young people. more. But if we are to really address the
We have also formed partnerships with homelessness crisis, we will need proper
specialists who can deliver personalised resourcing and a policy imperative that
support for individuals with a commits to urgent action grounded in
variety of needs covering health, debt meaningful partnership working.VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 11
Do you care enough to help us?
B
e part of something bigger and Moving forward and to help even before beginning your role
volunteer with Northern Ireland’s more people, we will soon be launching • Learn new skills, build your CV and
leading homelessness charity, Simon our new five-year Volunteering advance your career
Community NI. Strategy across the whole organisation • Ongoing support and opportunities for
We are a non-judgmental and would love to hear from further training and development
organisation that is committed to working passionate, committed, caring and • Out of office expense, including your
with anyone who is homeless or at risk of enthusiastic people, from right across travel expenses, will be covered
homelessness, providing a vital service to Northern Ireland. • Learn new skills which will last you
individuals and families and work towards We have a range of opportunities for a lifetime
the benefit of the whole community. volunteers to get involved with our
We provide 369 warm beds every day work, to help in many areas; from • To find out more please visit our
of the year and manage 22 emergency and working directly with our clients to website simoncommunity.org or
temporary-based accommodation projects taking part in our many fundraising and contact Rebekah McDonald,
across Northern Ireland. promotional activities. Volunteer Co-ordinator, Email:
Last year Simon Community NI has rebekahmcdonald@simoncommunity.org
been fortunate enough to work with How you can benefit Tel: 028 9023 2882
volunteers who have offered literally thou-
sands of volunteer hours to help our or- • Be part of a team dedicated to ending • Our Freephone Helpline is
ganisation support the most homelessness available 24/7 every day of the
vulnerable people in our society. • Get any necessary training you need year. Telephone: 0800 171 222COMMENT
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 12
‘’
We need to talk about the hidden homeless
Professor Paddy Gray argues that getting onto
the housing ladder is in reality a case of snakes
and ladders because many of us will face
multiple challenges throughout our lives
I
n May 2014 the Irish cabinet agreed an normal lifecycle all sorts of bad things and
80-point plan to tackle homelessness unforeseen circumstances take place. We
and eliminate it by 2016. I regularly visit normally begin life living in a family but
Dublin and I don't see any evidence that many do not even have this luxury. We
homelessness has been eliminated. In fact it begin adulthood as a single household then
Spiralling house
appears to be worse than ever. relationships are formed. Many of these
And this is not just people sleeping on last, many don't. Divorce and separation
prices, soaring
the streets. Spiralling house prices, soaring creates the need for more housing.
rents and the lack of affordable housing Then there is income. For some of us
rents and the lack
have left many living in overcrowded and income will increase but again for many it
intolerable conditions just to get a roof will fluctuate and it can go down as well as
of affordable
over their head. Definition is very up. Those in and out of jobs, redundancies,
important when we talk about short-term contracts all affect what we
housing have left
homelessness. Rooflessness or can afford and where we live. Then, of
houselessness is what it means to many. course, there is health. People are living
many living in
Having a home means much more much longer but unfortunately health will
than shelter. In cities and towns across the deteriorate requiring the proper support
overcrowded and
UK and Ireland people are sharing to stay in our own homes.
accommodation involuntarily with little Also as we get older and our family
intolerable
hope of getting on what is termed the
3
moves away we are left in housing that is
'housing ladder' given that prices are now larger than we need but our community
beyond the reach of even those on links mean we don't want to move into
reasonable incomes.
What do we mean when we say conditions just smaller housing unless it is close by. So
when we consider these and other
housing ladder? It suggests that households
are climbing one when they get on it and to get a roof scenarios in our multiple life transitions
the housing ladder is more like snakes
over their head
the reference, of course, is owner and ladders.
occupation, which is another misleading When we speak about homelessness
concept as in most cases the bank owns we mean having a home with all of the
the property not the occupier. security, privacy, and safety that a
I was at a debate recently where household should have. Living on the
research from the Joseph Rowntree streets is one form of homelessness and is
Foundation pointed out that we have totally unacceptable but living in
multiple housing transitions in a lifetime, intolerable conditions, involuntarily sharing,
rather than a housing ladder. A housing living with the threat of violence within the
ladder suggests a stable life but very few of home or from outside, living without
us have such a luxury. adequate support are all equally unaccept-
There is an assumption that nothing able. There are many out there who are
will be bad once you get on this imaginary hidden from society but are equally
structure. Sorry to disappoint you, but in a homeless; the hidden homeless.VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 13
On the streets:
32-year-old
Aine
Brian Pelan talks to a young woman called Aine who has been
homeless for the last five years during his recent visit to Dublin
T
he cold air gripped me as I walked “The figures concerning homelessness
past the iconic GPO building in in the last few years frighten me. We need
O’Connell Street, Dublin, on a to have more rehab and addiction centres.
Monday night recently. Unfortunately, a lot of these places have
I’ve been a journalist for a long time been closed down in recent years due to
now and whilst I have witnessed many funding cutbacks. We need to end the
shocking things, I was still totally transfixed revolving door of homelessness.”
by the scene I saw in front of me. More Later in the evening, I spoke to a
than 200 people, young and old, were being woman called Aine who told me she had
fed at a soup kitchen. Many were been homeless for the last five years.
homeless and all of them had an urgent Activist: Keira Gill Thirty-two-year-old Aine said: “I
need for some food to try and ward off became homeless after my landlord sold
the effects of the bitter weather. up.” Even though Aine has a job, she
I doubt this is what socialist James sandwiches, hot meals and sleeping bags told me that can’t afford the rent for
Connolly and the other leaders of the (when available) to anyone living rough on a home.
Easter Rising in Dublin envisaged when the the streets. “I sleep anywhere and everywhere
Proclamation was read out on the steps of Organiser Keira Gill said: “We’ve been every night. A lot of the times I’m lucky
the GPO in 1916! here about four years now and we feed enough and I get a sofa in a friend’s or a
The facts about homelessness in the around 250 people every Monday night. relative’s house.But people have their own
Republic of Ireland are grim indeed. A Every other night we help families in our lives and you can’t stay there all the time.”
recent Dublin Simon Community’s impact local area. We will support anyone who She is studying at university for a
report warned there will be 9,000 people is homeless or who are struggling with a degree in community and youth work. She
homeless in Ireland by the end of 2018 and range of issues such as finances. ruled out staying in a hostel. “I wouldn’t
that there is a severe lack of health funding “I used to be a very materialistic feel safe,” said Aine.
to meet these people’s needs. person but then I began to think that there She said that she works in the retail
Data also published recently by the has to be more to life than just wanting trade but that her wages were not very
Dublin Region Homeless Executive material things.” high. “I earn enough to be able to study but
showed that during the week of Kiera, who describes herself as “an not enough to be able to pay rent also.
October 18 to October 25 there were activist’, is a part of a support organisation “I want to have my own place and not
1,425 children in 677 families in emergency called the Irish Housing Network. to keep moving on. I really lack stability at
accommodation. She is also studying at Trinity the moment.”
Earlier in the evening in Dublin, I University where she has embarked on a And on that note of hope and
visited a project called A Lending Hand. degree course in sociology and social sadness, Aine said goodbye to me and
Volunteers from the group are on Dame policy. Her long-term plan is to help create walked off into the night with her
Street in the middle of the city every her own “humanitarian hostel that treats backpack on her shoulders and holding a
Monday night where they offer free people like humans”. carrier bag in her hands.VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 14
‘The first step is to build up trust’
Helping the homeless: Simon outreach workers Daniel Saunders (above) and (inset) Derek McPartland
A
gainst a background of around Simon Community NI. “I used to volunteer they want to readily accept help, as Daniel
100,000 people who are homeless for The Samaritans which gave me a explains. “We had a disabled, elderly
in Northern Ireland, the Simon good grounding for entering a career client who was living independently in
Community NI’s work extends well where my skills and experience could social housing with addiction issues. It
beyond the need to assist people in finding be used to help others to turn their was clear that the client was a
temporary accommodation and homes. lives around.” danger to himself, but it took months, and
The link between homelessness and other No two days are the same for Daniel many meetings, for us to convince him to
factors in society, such as family and Derek, in the way that no two clients accept help.
breakdowns, addiction and mental health, are the same. “One of our clients, before “As he had no family our aim was to
have been well documented. we met him, had been living in a tent, move him to a supported living
One facet of our work is to support a surviving on little food and two bottles of arrangement and help him to face his
range of clients in their local community. whiskey a day, said Derek. “He had little addiction issues. Today he is settled into
Two of our drug and alcohol outreach self-worth and confidence, and had given supported accommodation where he has
workers, Daniel Saunders and Derek up. The first step in working with our begun to interact with those living
McParland, work within the South East clients, regardless of background or cir- around him, and with the help of a local
Trust area, alongside a range of cumstances, is to build up trust. We are befriending service he is now able
statutory and voluntary organisations, to able to help people, but trust and to regularly attend a gym, which he
help support our clients with their communication are the cornerstones of really enjoys.”
individual needs. turning lives around. These clients represent only two of
Daniel, who moved from London to “Working with other agencies, such as the many hundreds of people we come
study at Queen’s University, has had many the Community Addiction Team, the Bene- into contact with, help and support
years’ voluntary experience working with fits Office and the Housing Executive, and each day. As we are dealing with some of
homeless people. “After I left Queen’s I alongside the client, we created a pathway the most vulnerable people in society not
worked as an interior designer but, that led him to being able to live all cases have a positive outcome, but the
whereas I enjoyed the creative side of the independently. At the same time as dealing work of Daniel and Derek, alongside
job, I didn’t find it satisfying in the way that with his housing needs, we worked everyone in Simon Community NI,
I had previously experienced when together to ensure that he had the right including our network of volunteers and
working with those in need. For me my job support which enabled him to confront his supporters, ensures that when someone
is about looking at the person rather than alcohol addiction. We still maintain regular needs help, Northern Ireland’s leading and
their circumstances.” contact with the client to ensure he always longest-serving homelessness charity will
Like Daniel, Derek had experience has someone to reach out to.” be on hand to make a difference each and
of volunteering before joining Not everyone is at the point where every day.100,000 adults in Northern Ireland have no home Together we can end homelessness To help visit simoncommunity.org or Text SIMON to 70660 to give £3
COMMENT
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 16
‘’
Why we need a Homelessness Bill
SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon, who represents
North Belfast, says that the chronic issue of
hidden homelessness is one of the biggest
challenges facing our society today
I
believe these five basic human needs are There is no satisfaction to share one
the key to living a full and balanced life: example, from successfully pushing for
access to food, to education, healthcare, medical assistance for a constituent with a
work and a home. I am convinced, as this is respiratory disease, when the dampness in
well evidenced, that access to a secure, the home they will be returning to has still
Tempting as it may
suitable, good quality and affordable home not been addressed, because it is only a
is critical if all of these other basic needs matter of time before their health
be to fix the
are to be met. deteriorates all over again.
Research shows that there is a strong It was out of frustration at the futility
obvious problem
correlation between homelessness and a of this disconnect and the pervading
multiplicity of mental and physical illness misconception among government
and substance misuse, as well as an departments that homelessness is simply
inextricable link between homelessness
and financial hardship. at hand, rooflessness which led me to table a
Private Member’s Bill at the first
overlooking other
Similarly, an individual in housing opportunity after winning my Assembly
stress is significantly more likely to be seat in March 2016.
deeper issues is
involved in, or fall victim to a crime. My rationale was that if change was to
Yet, despite all of this evidence, happen it had to be enshrined in
simply to apply a
government here continues to operate as legislation. My intention was, and it
if homelessness is simply an issue of remains, to bring forward a piece of
plaster over a
rooflessness. It is not. Nor is there in my legislation which places a ‘statutory duty’
view, full acknowledgement and acceptance on all government departments to tackle
deep and
within and across government of the homelessness.
growing housing and homeless crisis here. Not only will this lead to a more
deteriorating
The chronic issue of hidden holistic approach and collective
homelessness, whether it be sofa surfing, coordinated solutions, it will also place this
wound
living in temporary or overcrowded priority on a much firmer resource footing
accommodation, or living in fear of while delivering significant long-term
violence and the list goes on, is one of the
3
savings in health, social security and justice
biggest challenges facing our society today. related public expenditure to name just
In my own constituency of North a few.
Belfast there are over 1,700 households The motivation behind this bill, in
living in housing stress, and with more and addition to the future proofing element,
more households forced to pay the savings and the fact that this approach is
‘bedroom tax’, not least come 2020, the based on best practice, is the desire to
lack of regulation in the private rented sec- restore the dignity and security that comes
tor, and the severe lack of readily available with having your own home and all that
suitable accommodation, homelessness is flows from that.
only set to rise. It is incumbent upon those of us that
The sheer number of constituents have been given a mandate to use our po-
that present to constituency offices across sitions to bring about positive change for
the north in housing stress each day is our citizens.
relentless. More often than not, It was deeply frustrating to see this
homelessness comes hand in hand with an bill fall when the Assembly was collapsed in
array of other complex issues that January this year.
collectively need addressed. Tempting as it However, I remain committed, and be
may be to fix the obvious problem at hand, there restoration of the devolved
overlooking other deeper issues is simply institutions or not, I will do all that I
to apply a plaster over a deep and can to set this legislative process in
deteriorating wound. motion again.‘We are facing
VIEW, Issue 44, 2017 www.viewdigital.org Page 17
unprecedented
’
challenges
Determined:
Ricky Rowledge
VIEW put a number of questions to Ricky Rowledge, Chief
Executive of the umbrella group Council for the Homeless,
about its ongoing efforts to combat homelessness
Question: Are we winning the Executive’s (NIHE) new Home- providers got a letter which said that the
fight against homelessness? lessness Strategy – 2017 to 2022? NIHE were giving money back but that
providers would have to apply for the
Answer: No. There are a number of A: I think that it is a good start. It has also money.Although a condition was that the
reasons why not. Some of them are recognised that it is a work in progress. We money would have to be spent before the
structural reasons. We have lost a would have prefered it though to be more end of March next year and it would have
substantial proportion of affordable housing led. But we have also had a win in to be spent on those activities on the orig-
housing through the Right To Buy scheme. this document in that one of the actions inal bid that the money had been applied
We need to look at a model of providing coming out of it places a duty on the De- for.
houses and then wrapping services partment forCommunities to have an in- The problem is that some providers made
around them. terdepartmental action plan. cuts based on the lesser amount that they
were going to get.
Q: How effective has the Council Q: Are your hands tied in any Some providers closed down
for the Homeless been in tackling way because your main funder projects and paid off staff. Because of
homelessness? is the Northern Ireland these decisions some of these providers
Housing Executive? will not be in a position to apply for
A: We have been very successful in the money.
representing our member organisations to A: No. I have a duty to this member
ensure that homelessness has been kept organisation and to homeless people to Q: How does all this impact upon
on the political agenda. ensure that there views, voices and homelessness?
interests are protected. I have no difficulty
Q: After the deaths of homeless in doing this. It can, though, be a difficult A: Homeless services more than any other
people on the streets of Belfast, tightrope to walk at times as we are facing type of client group are dependent on
you said that more needed to be unprecedented challenges in the sector at Supporting People funding. We have been
done to tackle mental ill health the moment. particularly hit by this budget cut.
and addiction. Where any
improvements made? Q: Where are we now in regard to Q: And finally, do you think the
the budget for Supporting People? current roll-out of Universal
A: There have been better interventions in Credit in Northern Ireland will
this area. The Public Health Agency has A: It’s a bit like a game of chess at the have a negative effect on the
been listening. Last month it set up a task moment. The budget was reduced on homelessness situation?
and finish group which is chaired by the March 31 this year by the NIHE without
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ire- any consultation with the 100 providers A: Absolutely. In London alone there has
land. This group is going to look at speed- who deliver Supporting People services. A been a huge increase in rough sleeping be-
ing up the pathways for people who are campaign was launched to oppose this cut. cause of the impact of Universal Credit. It
homeless. The Department for Communities then will lead to people here not being able to
agreed to release an additional £2.6 million pay there rent and also that landlords
Q: What do you think of the in order to mitigate the cut. The budget is won’t take people who may be unable to
Northern Ireland Housing still £400,000 short, and secondly all pay rent.You can also read
