Lyons announces £2.5m for Homeless Prevention Services
Homelessness is still a significant part of our NI society. People are still sleeping rough on our streets. But often these people who sleep rough are out of sight, and out of mind.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has therefore supported the Homeless World Cup taking place in Oslo in September initiative and has announced an additional £2.5 million funding package for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to boost homeless prevention services.
Minister Lyons highlighted the funding during a visit to the final training session for the national teams taking part in the Homeless World Cup in Oslo at the end of August.
Meeting the teams, Minister Lyons praised the work of Street NI, a local charity which aims to positively impact disadvantaged groups through football.
The Minister said: “My ambition is the prevention of homelessness and charities such as Street NI are key to this goal.
“The stories I have heard today have been truly inspiring and highlight the continued need to support those in crisis, while working on innovative ways to prevent homelessness.
“Street NI has provided the players with the opportunity to represent their country in an international tournament, as well as an intensive wraparound support service, helping them transform their lives.
“This additional funding will continue to encourage new thinking in our approach to homelessness and further support NIHE’s partners in delivering critical services for people who are homeless.
“I congratulate everyone on being selected and I wish them every success in Oslo and for their futures.”
Every year, the Homeless World Cup Foundation delivers a week-long football tournament that brings together 500 players representing 48 countries from around the world, all of whom have faced homelessness and social marginalisation.
Northern Ireland will be represented by both a male and female team who will compete in a purpose-built arena in the heart of the host city.
Justin McMinn, CEO and co-founder of Street Soccer Northern Ireland, said: “This is a dream come true for all the players, a chance to represent your country in a sport that you love.
“Over the last 12 years we have witnessed the impact this event has on the players, with many of them breaking out of homelessness and unemployment on their return.
“They will come back full of confidence and motivation to make positive changes in their lives.”
Louise McConnell is attending the tournament as a mentor for the women’s team this year, having represented Northern Ireland last year.
She highlighted how beneficial the experience has been, and said: “Playing in the Homeless World Cup in South Korea last year was one of the best experiences of my life and it was a proud moment for me to captain the side.
“This year I get to go back as a coach mentor to help other people on their journeys and pass on my knowledge and experience.
“Street NI has made a massive difference in my life and now I want to help the charity make a difference to others.”
Alongside football, Street NI offers support with housing, employment, education, addictions and mental health issues.
