Homelessness in Northern Ireland

Homelessness does not only describe people sleeping on the streets - even if you have a roof over your head you may still be homeless. If your home is unsuitable for you to live in, or you have no right to stay in it you could be classified as homeless. Homelessness can happen to anyone, for a wide variety of reasons. If you think you are at risk of becoming homeless get advice as soon as possible. Use the Advice Services Directory to find agencies in your area.

What is homelessness?

Homelessness means not having a home. You don't have to be living on the streets to be homeless - even if you have a roof over your head you can still be homeless. This may be because your home is unsuitable or you don't have any rights to stay where you live. More

Homeless people's rights

Looks at the basic rights of homeless people in Northern Ireland. In particular, it examines which people have different rights and looks at homeless people's access to benefits. More

Avoiding homelessness

You can often avoid becoming homeless if you get advice at an early stage. Advisers can help you with a wide range of housing problems. They can examine your circumstances and help you find the best solution to your problem. More

Help in a crisis

If you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless you should get advice as soon as possible. An adviser can help you work out your rights. You may be able to get emergency accommodation or even stay in your accommodation. More

Support for homeless people

Looks at the support available for homeless people. Explains what the Supporting People programme is. Looks at what help is available through Supporting People. Looks at the help that is available to help people get off the streets. More

Help from social services

You may be able to get help from social services if the Housing Executive can't help. Social services may be able to provide you with accommodation, help you to get money for a deposit or help you to stay in your home if you are in danger of losing it. More

Help from the Housing Executive

The Housing Executive must help you if it thinks you are homeless, or about to become homeless in the next 28 days. It will assess your circumstances using legal tests. You may be able to get temporary accommodation while your homelessness application is being examined. You can appeal if the Housing Executive decides that you are not homeless. More

Relationship breakdown

This section outlines your rights and options if your relationship breaks down. Looks at your rights if you sell your shared home or you rent your home with your partner. Outlines when mediation may help More

Intimidation

Don’t stay in your home if you don’t feel safe. You may be able to get help from the Housing Executive if you have been attacked in your home. If you are having problems when renting privately your landlord may be able to help. More

Homeless under 18

You may be able to get help from the Housing Executive or social services depending on your age and whether you have spent time in care in the past. This section also outlines the problems you may face when renting privately. More