Simon Community Northern Ireland

03/09/2026

Laoise has experienced homelessness and knows how important it is for support to be there before things reach crisis point.

As MLAs return to Stormont and a consultation on homelessness prevention closes this week, we’re calling for a stronger focus on helping people earlier, before they lose their home.

The latest figures show that 64,417 people are now experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland, almost 13,000 more than three years ago.

We know homelessness can be prevented. Acting earlier can help people stay in their homes and avoid the trauma and disruption that comes with homelessness.

We cannot afford to wait any longer.

🔗 Read the full story on our website to hear more from Laoise and find out why we’re calling for stronger homelessness prevention in Northern Ireland.
https://simoncommunity.org/what-we-do/knowledge-hub/news/nobody-should-have-to-lose-their-home-before-help-becomes-available/

27/08/2026

🚨 New data released today shows that the number of 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland has risen yet again.

Today's figures are also the first time the government has included information on how many people are experiencing homelessness in its official statistics, not just how many households are affected.

Jim Dennison, Chief Executive, said:

"Every time these figures are released, the numbers get bigger. Homelessness in Northern Ireland is getting worse, year after year.

Today's data shows that 64,417 people are experiencing homelessness, the highest level on record. Crucially, it is also the first time our government has published data on the number of people affected, rather than just 'households'. Simon Community has long called for this change because behind every number is a real person, family or child without a safe place to call home.

These figures must be a wake-up call. Without urgent action to increase affordable housing and prevent homelessness, more people will continue to be pushed into crisis."

25/08/2026

The public has spoken. Will Government listen?

New research shows Northern Ireland is the most supportive region in the UK for local housebuilding, with 53% backing new homes in their area. At the same time, people say the top housing priority should be building more social and affordable homes, while reducing homelessness ranks second.

We've long said that if we want to prevent and end homelessness, we need more genuinely affordable homes.

The public understands the challenge. More homes. More affordable homes. Fewer people experiencing homelessness.

Now it's time for Government to turn public support into action and accelerate the delivery of the social and affordable homes Northern Ireland needs. 🏠

👉Join us in calling for the homes Northern Ireland needs. Share this post and add your voice.


Data from Barclays Property Insights shows Northern Ireland has the highest support for local housebuilding in the UK.

21/08/2026

Health and housing are closely connected.

For some people, physical health, disability or poor mental health can affect whether their home continues to meet their needs. And without a suitable place to live, looking after your health can become even harder.

That’s why homelessness can’t be looked at in isolation. It requires a cross departmental approach. That way we can work together towards

Learn more about homelessness in Northern Ireland in our Knowledge Hub. -

Welcome to the Simon Community Knowledge Hub – a central space for news, stories, research and reports on homelessness across Northern Ireland.

19/08/2026

We welcome the ambition behind Andy Burnham's commitment to offer everyone sleeping rough in England a route off the streets by Christmas. It's a recognition that rough sleeping isn't inevitable and that governments can act when they choose to.

We need to see that same ambition and urgency here in Northern Ireland. But ending rough sleeping is only part of the solution.

Our research shows that experiences such as childhood adversity, trauma and poverty often play a significant role in pathways into homelessness. If we are serious about ending homelessness, we must focus on prevention as well as crisis response.

Getting people off the streets is essential. Stopping them getting there in the first place is even better.

The latest estimate recorded 61 people sleeping rough in Northern Ireland. While any reduction is welcome, rough sleeping figures are widely understood to underestimate the true scale of homelessness.

Tackling homelessness cannot sit with one department alone. It requires joined-up action across housing, health, justice and communities.

To end homelessness for good, the Northern Ireland government must deliver more homes that are genuinely affordable, better access to health and mental health services, and meaningful investment in prevention, not just funding once people have reached crisis point.

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

17/08/2026

In June, we brought colleagues from across Simon Community together for .

It was a chance to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect.

Hope is at the heart of what we do. It’s built through small actions, strong relationships and people continuing to show up, even when things are difficult.

was a reminder of the part every member of our team plays in creating that hope, every day.

Looking for a role with purpose?
Explore current opportunities to join Simon Community:
https://simoncommunity.org/careers/

14/08/2026

Ryleigh speaks openly about a period in her life when things became incredibly difficult.

But her story is also about the people she met and the moments that helped her begin to see herself and her future differently.

Today, she is looking forward with a stronger sense of who she is and what matters to her.

Ryleigh chose to share her story under a different name, and we’re grateful to her for trusting us to share part of her experience.

Read Ryleigh’s story in full on our website: https://simoncommunity.org/what-we-do/knowledge-hub/stories/ryleigh/

09/08/2026

As the Fleadh draws to a close, Belfast has been on full display.

Across the city, communities, organisations and services have worked together to welcome thousands of people and make it a week to remember.

It's been a powerful reminder of what's possible when Belfast comes together. As the celebrations end, we must keep that focus on ensuring everyone can share in the opportunities our city offers, including having a safe place to call home.

Stay part of the conversation. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news, insights and ways to support our work:https://bit.ly/3Pte2wO

07/08/2026

Women experiencing homelessness are often navigating much more than the loss of a home.

We’re recruiting a Researcher to focus on Women’s Homelessness & Systems Improvement to deepen our understanding of their experiences and turn this learning into action.

Working alongside women with lived experience, frontline services and partner organisations, this role will help identify where systems are falling short and shape stronger responses for women at risk of chronic homelessness.

📍 Hybrid working, based in Belfast
💷 £35,976–£39,463
⏰ 35 hours per week
📅 Fixed term for 24 months

Find out more and apply:
https://simoncommunity.org/careers/current-opportunities/

Applications are invited from women only. This is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

02/08/2026

Belfast is getting ready for a week of celebration as the Fleadh arrives in the city.

Alongside the excitement, there has been growing discussion about homelessness and the pressure facing support services. We welcome that conversation, because these challenges have existed long before any event, and will be here after.

This is a moment to look honestly at what is holding the progress back and consider how we can respond with greater urgency.

Swipe through to read our take on the conversation and what we think can be done differently.