A charity in Northern Ireland has opened the first women-only temporary crisis accommodation facility near Belfast city center. Managed by the Welcome Organization, this crash facility is targeted towards individuals in urgent need of housing and is exclusively for women. The charity emphasized the importance of this new accommodation center, citing a significant increase in the number of women sleeping rough on the streets of Belfast in recent years.
One user of the facility, who shared her experience under the pseudonym Maria, described it as a “lifeline.” Having been homeless for a decade, she highlighted the horrifying nature of sleeping rough on the streets and expressed gratitude for the support she received at the center. Maria credited the staff for empowering her to make positive changes in her life and expressed a sense of accountability to them.
Currently, the facility is funded by the Housing Executive and can accommodate 10 women. However, plans are underway to expand to 26 spaces by the next year, offering more permanent housing solutions. Susan Duncan from the Welcome Organization stressed the critical role of the facility in supporting women with complex needs, such as those experiencing domestic violence, mental health issues, or addiction.
Elma Newberry, the Housing Executive’s director of regional services, underscored the significance of providing women-only spaces for individuals who have endured trauma and need a safe environment to rebuild their lives. She emphasized the short-term nature of the crash facility and the importance of transitioning residents to more permanent housing with ongoing support. Overall, the facility was praised for its welcoming and secure environment, essential for individuals seeking to overcome homelessness and regain stability
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