Homelessness
Homelessness (lead Department – DSD)
Homelessness is one of the most extreme forms of social exclusion. It is much more than just a housing issue, as homelessness can occur as a result of poor health, unemployment or poverty.
Promoting Social Inclusion is an important element of Northern Ireland's anti-poverty strategy, "Lifetime Opportunities" which aims to target resources at those areas, groups and individuals in greatest objective need. One of the aims of the strategy is to reduce the risk of homelessness and to ensure that the full range of appropriate services is available to those who find themselves homeless.
DEL's Involvement
One of DEL’s main aims is to improve the life chances of those in our society who are excluded, for example assisting people to find work or helping them to gain the skills necessary to improve their chances in the labour market. DEL has participated in two information seminars which brought together local DEL managers and hostel managers, to ensure that hostel managers are aware of all DEL services in relation to helping homeless people to acquire the necessary skills to progress them to employment.
- Lifetime Opportunities - Governments anti-poverty and social inclusion strategy for Northern Ireland
(pdf 646.39kb) - Including the Homeless (pdf 432kb)
Related websites
Department of Social Development
