Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Communities, in light of recent figures from the Simon Community showing that over 62,000 people are officially homeless across Northern Ireland, including over 1,600 people in Mid Ulster, to detail any steps he will take to enhance homelessness prevention efforts.
Minister for Communities: Prevention of homelessness and the prioritisation of housing solutions for those most in need is a key objective within the Housing Supply Strategy.
In addition to the funding allocated to the Housing Executive for community prevention activities, this year I ringfenced an additional £2.5 million for Strategic Homelessness Prevention. That funding is currently supporting 35 organisations to deliver 42 projects in local areas.
I also allocated £3 million for the New Foundations Programme to support young people leaving care and prevent them entering homelessness.
My Department will continue to work closely with partners across the Executive to explore opportunities for meaningful joint working and to ensure greater collaboration and engagement at a strategic level to prevent homelessness and improve outcomes for people.
ENDS
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