Northern Ireland homelessness charity recruits for its board of trustees

As of January 2024, 4,556 households were living in temporary accommodation.

Last month, Homeless Connect called on the Department for Communities to take urgent action to prioritise preventing and reducing homelessness. 

In a statement, it said: “Homeless Connect is delighted to be recruiting for three new positions to our board of trustees.

“Since 1983, Homeless Connect has been working to prevent and alleviate homelessness in Northern Ireland.

“As the representative body for the homelessness sector, Homeless Connect plays a pivotal role in supporting its members to prevent and reduce homelessness.”

It said this was a “very challenging time for the sector, with rising levels of need for temporary accommodation and a continued rise in the number of households found to have homelessness status”.

“Having no government for two years has led to instability and uncertainty within the sector. The leadership of Homeless Connect is as needed now as it has ever been,” it said.

On the new positions, the charity added: “As a trustee, you would [join] a dedicated team of people who care deeply about the difference Homeless Connect makes.

“This is an exciting time for the organisation, as we are focused on developing our important services to meet the growing need.”

Earlier this year, the head of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive told Inside Housing a legal duty should be placed on it to prevent homelessness.

Last month, the Simon Community charity revealed plans to buy up “significantly” more homes as it ramps up its efforts to tackle homelessness.