MACS is proud to celebrate a major milestone
100 young people have now come through our Shared Tenancy Programme.
That’s 100 young lives given the opportunity to stabilise, grow, and take real steps toward independence, not through temporary fixes, but through safe, supported housing shared with one other young person.
What is a Shared Tenancy?
At MACS, a shared tenancy means two young people live together in a rented home under a joint tenancy agreement. It’s a safe, affordable and supported alternative to hostel accommodation or sofa surfing, and a powerful stepping stone toward full independence.
Young people are carefully matched by our team, and supported throughout the tenancy. They learn how to manage bills, navigate responsibilities, build trust, and create a home together.
It’s not just about affordability. It’s about belonging, stability, and real-life skills.
“It gives them a place to call home – and make it their own”
Laura Lapham, MACS Shared Tenancy Coordinator, explains why the model works:
“ Shared tenancy provides a sense of safety at home whilst relieving loneliness by sharing with another like-minded young person. It is also considerably cheaper than living alone or sourcing private rented in the housing crisis we’re currently facing.”
She adds:
“It provides stability for young people until they feel ready to move on, or are offered their permanent house from NIHE. It removes them from hostel environments, where they often feel afraid or uncertain. Shared tenancy gives them a place to call home and make it their own. And they’re not alone, MACS continues to support them throughout, with myself and our floating support team there every step of the way.”
Why It Works
Young people who’ve come through the Shared Tenancy Programme often tell us it’s the first time they’ve had:
- A real say in where and how they live
- A home that feels safe and calm
- Freedom from loneliness and fear
- Greater control over their future
- Long-term support to keep moving forward
And as homelessness numbers rise across Northern Ireland, this preventative model is proving its worth not only in terms of outcomes, but in compassion, cost-effectiveness and dignity. Earlier this year, MACS was invited to share its Shared Tenancy model at the Canadian Conference on Preventing Youth Homelessness in Toronto. This international platform recognised the innovative work being done in Northern Ireland to offer young people stable, supported housing options, and highlighted MACS as a leading voice in long-term homelessness prevention.
What’s Next?
We’re proud to have supported 100 young people through our Shared Tenancy Programme but we know many more could benefit.
MACS is keen to grow this model and work with landlords, housing providers, funders and local authorities to make it happen. If you believe in giving young people more than a roof in giving them roots we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can give more young people a place to call home and the support to shape what comes next.