“We need to talk more about homelessness”
A Belfast charity’s homelessness work is to become one of six UK projects endorsed by the Prince and Princess of Wales Royal Foundation. The announcement was made by HRH Prince William during a visit today (Tuesday, 27th June) to the Skainos Centre where East Belfast Mission operates from on the city’s Newtownards Road.
East Belfast Mission (EBM) has been helping homeless people and families for over 25-years through its Hosford Homelessness Services. It provides a 26-bedroom hostel and a wide range of wrap-around care and support.
The charity is now beginning to develop affordable accommodation to provide a new route out of homelessness for those who can’t access private rentals. The Prince visited EBM’s new 240 Project on the Newtownards Road which is transforming an empty building into six private apartments.
There has been an unprecedented growth in demand for EBM’s homelessness services in recent years. Across Northern Ireland the number of households seeking temporary accommodation has more than tripled to over 10,000 in the past five years. The number of households on the NI Housing Executive’s waiting list is currently 45,152, a 72% increase since 2003.
Officially welcoming Prince William to the Skainos Centre, Rev Brian Anderson, Chair of EBM’s Board of Trustees said:
“In the past 25-years we’ve helped thousands of people facing homelessness from across the community or who have fled persecution from abroad. We are thrilled at the interest Prince William has taken in this work and his concern for the growing numbers of people who are trapped in homelessness.
“As a society we need to talk more about homelessness and I hope that the Prince’s visit helps get the conversation started. Making more affordable homes available is part of the solution but it’s not just about bricks and mortar. At EBM we’ve also sought to provide care and support and develop a community that gives people the confidence to rebuild their lives and live independently.”
During the visit to Skainos Prince William held a roundtable discussion with representatives from NI’s housing sector, met volunteers from EBM and toured the nearby 240 Project which is currently being renovated. Among those he met was Meershad Esfandiari who shared his lived experience. Meershad became homeless in Belfast after his asylum application was processed and he had to leave his government provided accommodation.
Meershad said:
“Leaving my country was not a choice, circumstance forced me to go because I was in danger.
“It was a great honour for me to speak with the Prince of Wales and share how EBM provided me with a safe place to live along with support to develop language skills and gain recognised qualifications in this country.
“As a result, I have been in fulltime employment for several years now and have just bought my first home. I am an active member of several community groups such as Larne House Visitors Group and Chairperson of Belfast City of Sanctuary, a charity with an ethos of welcome and support for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers living here.”
Tom Dinnen, Capacity Building Coordinator with Hosford Homelessness Services, who gave Prince William a tour of the 240 Project, added:
“Hostels are not a long-term solution to homelessness but schemes such as 240, which provide proper apartment accommodation, offer the chance to live in a ‘community home’ that gives people the building blocks to eventually join the housing market.
“Prince William was aware of the complex issues which cause homelessness, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis and the challenges which the sector is tackling. As homelessness is connected to so many societal issues, including health, education and employment – solving the problem will have major benefits for the whole community.”
During his visit Prince William was presented with a painting drawn by a member of EBM’s refugee women’s welcome group.
It is expected that the 240 Project will welcome its first tenants in 2024. The project is funded by Urban Villages, Garfield Weston Foundation, Benefact Trust, Ulster Garden Villages and a mix of generous local supporters. EBM plans to develop 30 homes over the next three years including five long-term homes with Commonweal, a London-based housing charity.
In addition, Hosford provides temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and a tenancy support service to help people maintain their own tenancy. Funded by Supporting People this scheme helps hundreds each year secure and maintain their own accommodation.