Simon Community housing assistance in Northern Ireland

People who are at risk of eviction or homelessness can get help from Simon Community. They are a leading charity in northern Ireland that focuses on addressing housing issues, however the organisation also offers other support in the greater Belfast area. Case workers provide advice and information on community support, among other programmes.

Accommodations are available for Families at the Conway Court project. Not only is housing and shelter provided, but families and individuals will be given support plans. This can help them with personal development, budgeting, gaining new living skills and resettlement. Various workshops and information sessions are held by Simon Community and clients can enroll into them.

For family services and the Conway Court project, the applicant must be referred through the Homeless Support Unit and they need to have been presented as homeless to the NI Housing Executive. Space is limited at the facility.

Services are available for Young People, including single mums. Many young people from Belfast and other Northern Ireland towns come to the charity for care. Caseworkers partner with the Health and Social Care Trusts to provide shelter and housing for young people. It is also available for people leaving care and it can assist some of the most vulnerable with the transition to adulthood.

A bespoke facility in Belfast Foyeris is for youth under the age of 25. This project provides them with a tailored service designed to help people achieve independence. Programmes may be able to assist them with budgeting, development of living skills, personal development and resettlement. They also run initiative with other groups such as the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and Supporting People.

Substance users can get help from Harm Reduction Service. It is for those with alcohol or drug use. Clients can use the services while they are in the Simon Community project. After they leave they will also receive continuing support from volunteers and caseworkers.

Possible financial support from Simon Community

Simon Community administers the Deposit Bond and Rent Scheme. One of the challenges with homeless people is when they try to access private rented accommodation or flats in Northern Ireland or the UK, they struggle. Many have difficulty in obtaining finance to fund either the rent in advance or a required deposit.

When this occurs, the Rent and Deposit Bond Scheme may be able to help. It was developed just for this problem. For individuals who qualify, it provides a written Bond to the landlord. This is used in lieu of funds to pay the deposit or rent.

The Homelessness Prevention Programme is always under high demand in Northern Ireland. This is available for individuals with a notice to quit or that are faced with imminent eviction. Other assistance is also available for anyone that is currently homeless. Simon Community provides a help line for callers so they can learn about government housing benefits, grants for paying rent, and other advice. The charity goal is on ending homelessness in Northern Ireland. Call 0800 171 2222 if you are homeless or in danger of being evicted.

Homeless assistance is also offered in the community, including Belfast and Derry and other Northern Ireland regions. The charity aims to prevent homelessness by using a coordinated approach with other local organisations too. They will make the most of existing community based resources. They work with volunteers and local community task groups, schools, youth groups, and service providers. So the charity strongly advocates on behalf of the homeless and less fortunate. To contribute, learn more, or volunteer, call 028 90 232882.

There are several Simon Community centres available. The main Northern Ireland locations are as follows. Other services include Client Participation Project, advice for people with access to no public funds and other schemes.

• 41-45 Central Avenue, Bangor BT20 3AW, Northern Ireland, ring 028 90 232882.
• 13 Bonds Hill, Waterside, Derry BT47 6DW, Northern Ireland, call 028 7131 1461. A focus is on single homeless people, but others can get help.
• 14-16 Lodge Road, Coleraine BT52 1NB, Northern Ireland. Call 028 7035 2300 for information on benefits advise, rent schemes, and employment.
• Another centre is at 65 Bridge Street, Newry, BT35 8AF. The phone number is 028 3026 6044. This location also offers Counselling, education and job training, as well as housing advice.