Written by Frances Black - Accommodation Manager, Saintfield Road Belfast
I began my journey in Simon Community in 2006, in 2009 I transferred to the beautiful leafy suburbs in south Belfast to work in a mixed gender hostel on Saintfield Road.
Back in 2023 discussions began around the need of a women’s only service as we recognised that homelessness in NI was a very real women’s issue.
Homeless women are an extremely vulnerable group, often experiencing traumatic and abusive childhoods, loss of a parent or family member, a parent with an addiction, pregnancy at an early age, leaving home at an early age, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of gendered violence, including sexual crime.
More than half of homeless households are headed by women, yet only 3% of the public associate homelessness primarily with women. Domestic abuse, relationship breakdown, and housing insecurity hit women hardest.
We listened to the voices of our women and have worked hard to implement the changes that they asked for. Today behind the red brick wall on the Saintfield Road is a women’s only hostel. We have added colour to our rooms, we’ve replaced the old beds with new ones that bring warmth and comfort to their rooms. One woman noted on the kitchen update that the space has been redesigned to feel like home.
“It’s what we do in our own homes, our mate comes in the back door and we sit at table and have a natter and a cup of tea.”
Many of the woman now living in the service have a shared experience of domestic abuse, followed by the loss of financial independence, leaving them with nowhere to turn. Their stories highlight why gender-specific support is so vital.
I’m incredibly proud of our team and the unwavering commitment they’ve shown in bringing this service to life. Every detail, from the building’s refurbishment to the specialist training has been shaped with compassion and care.”
“Seeing the women who now call this place home begin to heal and grow is deeply moving. Their strength inspires us every day. We’re excited about what the future holds and the impact this service will continue to have. This is just the beginning."