Written by Tracy Millar - Service Manager, Larne
I’ve been part of Simon Community for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that homelessness doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages — from young adults just starting out, to families with children, and even those in later life who should be enjoying retirement.
One case that really struck a chord with me and the team was a 75-year-old gentleman who came to stay with us. It made us all stop and think — this could be someone’s father or grandfather. How could this happen at his age?
For him, it started with a tragic accident, a fire that destroyed his home. With no close family to stay with, he suddenly found himself without a place to live. On top of that, he had to move over 60 miles to stay with us, as there were no spaces closer to his hometown.
Imagine it, losing your home, your personal belongings, precious sentimental items and then moving to a new town where you know no one, forced to share space with strangers. At 75 years old, that’s incredibly traumatic.
We supported him every step of the way. We helped him register with a local GP, sort out his pension and post, and make sure his healthcare continued. Slowly, he began to settle in. He got to know other residents, joined in with chats, meals, and even took part in our quiz nights and cooking sessions.
After several months, he was able to return to a place much closer to his hometown — a step closer to rebuilding his life.
He told us he was incredibly thankful for the support he received. And for us, knowing we could walk with him through such a difficult time, even for a short while is what this work is all about.
Most people don’t realise that homelessness is often situational, not permanent. Lives can change in an instant, but with the right support, they can be rebuilt.
And while stories like his may seem rare, the reality is they are becoming more common.
Nearly 9,000 people aged 65 and over are currently on Northern Ireland’s social housing waiting list, and over two-thirds of them are experiencing housing stress. In fact, 1 in 10 people on the list belong to households where one or both residents are aged 60 or over.
Homelessness in later life is happening in every community, behind every statistic is a real person, trying to find safety and stability again.
We’re here 24/7. If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk, call 0800 171 2222 or click here for support.