Today, we welcomed newly appointed Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons; NI Housing Executive’s Chief Executive Grainia Long, and NIHE’s chair Nicole Lappin to our supported housing in Belfast.
They met with young person V. She spoke so warmly of the relationships she has with MACS staff and so passionately about her hopes and plans which include study, becoming a counsellor and reconnecting with family We have no doubt that she will achieve all this and more! Thanks for sharing your experiences V, it really helps decision-makers see the positive impact MACS, working with Supporting People, NIHE and DfC really has on young lives.
The DfC and NIHE work together on delivering the Supporting People Programme which funds MACS supported housing in Belfast, Newry, Downpatrick, and Lisburn.
Our ‘Move In to Move On’ service supports young people moving on from care, or who are experiencing homelessness to move into a MACS house for up to two years. During this time, they receive a range of holistic support services based on individual needs so they can move on, equipped and empowered to access housing and build positive futures.
We are the leading youth-specific homelessness charity in NI operating 42 self-contained flats for young people so it was lovely to introduce Mr Lyons to our young people and demonstrate how, with his department and Supporting People’s support, MACS works to transform young lives.
We also discussed the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can end youth homelessness in Northern Ireland.