Northern Ireland’s largest homelessness charity, Simon Community, welcomed Prince William to one of their accommodation services today as part of The Prince’s Homelessness Program.
The Prince visited the Foyer, located on Malone Road in Belfast, a dedicated service run by Simon Community supporting young people aged 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness.
Prince William spoke directly to some young people who are currently being supported by Simon Community, including some young care leavers. Homewards Northern Ireland has signaled a particular interest in supporting young people leaving care. It is estimated 120 care leavers who become homeless in Northern Ireland every year.
Simon Community provide an extensive range of services for people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland, including accommodation services and their Housing First for Youth scheme – a preventative programme which offers guaranteed accommodation and community-based wraparound support to vulnerable young people leaving care for as long as they need.
Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of Simon Community said,
"I am delighted to welcome Prince William to the Simon Community Foyer in Belfast today. Through the Homewards programme, he is shining a crucial spotlight on the urgent need to support young people facing homelessness in Northern Ireland, particularly those with experience in the care system.
Leaving care often significantly increases the risk of homelessness, and we know that providing a safe and secure home is life changing. At Simon Community, we already end homelessness for young care leavers every single day. With the support of Prince William and Homewards, we can help even more young people build a brighter future for themselves.”
For more information about Simon Community and our work, please visit
