Welcome Organisation opens new Belfast women’s emergency homeless facility

A new women’s only, emergency homeless facility, operated by the Welcome Organisation and funded by the Housing Executive, has opened in Belfast.

Based near the city centre, the new premises replaces and enhances a previous facility and is the only all-female, emergency homeless service in Northern Ireland.

Funded through the Supporting People Programme, administered by the Housing Executive, the Welcome Organisation is currently providing support to ten of the most vulnerable homeless women in the city.

Individual, en-suite rooms are provided, with kitchen and cooking facilities and rest and relaxation areas to give comfort, privacy and dignity to the women accessing the service.

The Welcome Organisation hope to be able to expand provision at the new site in the future.

Susan Duncan, Acting Head of Operations at The Welcome Organisation, said the opening of the new facility is a game changing development in tackling female homelessness in Belfast.

“We are excited to see how this new service will grow and positively impact the lives of the women we serve. We believe that this facility has the potential to end rough sleeping for women in Belfast within three to five years,” she said.

“With 24/7 staff support, we are confident that this facility will provide a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment.

“The Welcome Organisation has been delivering potentially life-saving homelessness services for over 25 years, including the delivery of female-specific accommodation for homeless women for over 18 years.

“Our staff team also have a wealth of experience in not only homelessness, but in addictions and mental health. This new facility women’s service will expand on those services and will provide 24-hour support for ten women who are in crisis for a range of issues from addictions to poor mental health.

“The service also provides opportunities for external organisations to deliver holistic therapies and group workshops, enhancing the support we offer. Our services include one-to-one support for benefits, housing, and essential needs, alongside shared kitchen, dining, and living spaces to foster a sense of community.”

A key focus of the service will be improving women’s health. The Welcome Organisation plans to facilitate and build partnerships with a range of external agencies and for the first time, will be welcoming groups specifically aimed at addressing women’s health needs.

Housing Executive Director of Regional Services, Elma Newberry, welcomed the new initiative, saying; “Establishing a service of this nature – and others already in place - is a strategic priority for the Housing Executive. 

“We commend the Welcome Organisation for delivering this new facility and, allied to the sanctuary accommodation they already provide for women in Belfast, this will ensure the lives of some local women will undoubtedly be saved.

“Women who experience homelessness should always receive a level of provision appropriate to their needs and empathy should always be employed to assist in whatever challenges they are facing in their lives.

“Our homelessness strategy commits us to ensure, wherever possible, that homelessness should be prevented and if this is not possible, it should be rare, brief and non-recurring.

“Our strategic approach has focused on supporting women in crisis in therapeutic, supported accommodation - and in the community - to help them break the cycle of poor mental health, addictions and homelessness

“We will continue to work with the Welcome Organisation in the months ahead to ensure those women with complex lives receive the help and support they deserve.”

The service runs alongside The Welcome Organisation’s other homelessness services – Assertive Street Outreach, Daytime Support Hub, Catherine House, Floating Support and their Mobile Health Unit.