What Does Northern Ireland Really Think About the Homelessness Crisis?
19 June 2025
One in 14 people in Northern Ireland say they have experienced homelessness, a new poll from Simon Community reveals.Almost one in three people say they have a direct connection to homelessness - either through their own experience, a family member, or someone they know. And working-class people are twice as likely to have been affected.
But while public understanding of the crisis is improving, significant gaps still remain.
95% believe it is important that we reduce homelessness in NI, yet 93% still underestimate its true scale and complexity with many still associating it primarily with rough sleeping in city centres.
The reality is that rough sleeping represents only a small fraction of homelessness in Northern Ireland. Only 72 people were recorded sleeping rough in the latest Housing Executive count. Yet there are nearly 60,000 people legally classified as homeless in Northern Ireland, with an estimated 25,000 more people experiencing “hidden homelessness”, not coming forward for help.
Homelessness is most often associated with men, young people, addiction, and urban areas. This leaves many groups - women, children, families, older people, rural communities, and those with mental health needs – less visible, despite being deeply affected.
Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of Simon Community, said: “Homelessness isn’t just a city centre issue. It’s happening in every town and every postcode. It’s closer than we think. And it’s not about bad choices. Poverty and mental health issues are at the heart of the problem.”
Last week’s Department for Communities’ Homelessness Bulletin 2 reported that 4,730 children and young people under 18 are currently living in temporary accommodation - over half of them aged nine or under. In just six months to March 2025, families made up over a quarter of all households presenting as homeless.
Growing Awareness Alongside Persistent Stigma The poll does show encouraging signs of growing understanding: 82% agree homelessness is usually out of someone’s control. However, addiction remains the most commonly cited cause, with 67% identifying it as a leading factor. Far fewer recognise poverty (36 %), trauma (14%), low wages (13%), or challenges within health and care systems as drivers of homelessness.
Jim Dennison says: “Whilst we are seeing growing awareness that homelessness is linked to structural issues - such as a lack of affordable housing - poverty and trauma are still far less understood as causes. Those who grow up in poverty or face childhood trauma are much more likely to experience homelessness later on, making early intervention vital.
If we want to break the cycle, we need to reach people early, provide support from the start, and make sure families have homes so they can build a stable future.”
Women Perceive Homelessness Differently
Women surveyed in the poll were more likely to view homelessness as extremely serious (26 % compared to 21% of men), to recognise hidden forms such as living in domestic abuse shelters (88 % vs. 77 %), and to support efforts to reduce homelessness (78 % vs. 71%). Whilst men were more likely to attribute homelessness to personal choices or immigration.
Strong Public Support for Practical Solutions
The public is broadly supportive of practical help for those affected. Targeted support for care leavers (92%), mental health and addiction (91%), education and job opportunities (87%), and temporary accommodation (84%) received strong backing.
However, financial help like private rental deposit support or benefit increases received less public backing. This could be because they are often perceived as a 'handout' rather than recognised for the vital role they play in helping people in crisis.
Dennison says:“Homelessness can happen to anyone. In fact, 86% of people we polled recognise this - that life events like job loss, relationship breakdown, illness, or rising rents can push anyone into crisis.
The reality is that rising costs in Northern Ireland are making it harder to keep a roof over your head. With far too few affordable homes, many people are living in expensive, unstable private rentals. Forced to choose between housing, heating, or food, more people are being pushed to the brink of homelessness.
This isn’t about personal failure - it’s about systems that don’t provide enough support when people need it most. 88% of people we polled agreed that everyone has the right to safe and secure housing. Now is the time for our policy makers to do things differently and ensure everyone in Northern Ireland has a stable home and a fair chance at life.”
