Christmas is a time we associate with warmth, family and the comfort of home. It’s when we gather with loved ones, share meals, exchange gifts and reflect on the year gone by. But for thousands across Northern Ireland, home is not a given - it’s a hope.
Imagine not having a place to call your own this Christmas. Picture relying on the kindness of others, sleeping on a relative’s sofa or staying in a temporary shelter with no certainty about tomorrow. For over 61,000 people here, that’s not a thought experiment - it’s a grim reality.
Homelessness in Northern Ireland continues to reach unprecedented levels. One in every 31 people is legally homeless. Many are hidden from view - families doubling up in overcrowded homes, individuals sleeping in cars or people trapped in unsafe environments. The human cost is immense, and the economic impact is staggering. Homelessness drains public resources, limits potential and holds back our society.
We cannot build a thriving, inclusive economy without secure housing. Homes are the foundation for education, employment, health and community. Ending homelessness is not just a moral imperative - it’s a strategic one.
At Simon Community, our vision is clear: a Northern Ireland where homelessness is a thing of the past. But we can’t achieve this alone. We need the business community - your creativity, your networks, your drive - to help turn vision into reality.
Partnerships are powerful. Over the past year, we’ve seen businesses step up with generosity and purpose. Their support has helped us reach more people, deliver more services and offer more hope. For that, we are deeply grateful.
As we look to 2026, we want to go further. We want to help more individuals, more families and more children find safety, stability, and dignity. With your continued support, we can.
If your organisation is ready to be part of the solution, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can build a future where no one spends Christmas - or any day - without a home.
Wishing you a joyful festive season and a hopeful, prosperous New Year.
Jim Dennison
Chief Executive, Simon Community
A huge thank you to our corporate sponsors for supporting people impacted by homelessness this Christmas.
Simon Community operates a free 24/7 telephone support service. If you or someone you know is concerned about homelessness, please call 0800 171 2222.
Or for more information about Simon Community’s work and how to get involved this Christmas, please click here.