As the year comes to a close, Jim Dennison Chief Executive of Simon Community, Northern Ireland’s leading homelessness charity, reflects on the vital support received from local businesses.
In Northern Ireland there are 58,241 people officially classified as homeless. That's one in every 33 people.The relentless pressure of rising costs of living means an ever-increasing number of individuals and families find themselves on the brink of homelessness. Jim Dennison explains:
"We are facing a homelessness emergency across Northern Ireland that continues to escalate, further compounded by economic uncertainties and ongoing societal changes. The support of the business community is critical to our ability to respond to this growing need and achieve our mission to end homelessness across the region.
But how do local businesses make a difference?
"Our corporate partners are essential. Not only do they raise vital funds, but their staff volunteering support, skills sharing and awareness raising activities mean we are able to continue to provide effective solutions to ending homelessness. This includes our groundbreaking Creating Homes initiative through which we are directly tackling the lack of social housing in NI by purchasing and managing our own portfolio of homes. These homes are providing an affordable option to people who are ready to move on from temporary accommodation, ending their cycle of homelessness."
Jim finishes,
"This festive season, as temperatures drop, Simon Community is focused on reaching as many people as we can who do not have a place to call home this Christmas. Thanks to the support of our partners, we can do this and much more."
Thank you to all the businesses who got involved in our in our Christmas 'Presence' Ulster Business Ad Appeal.
