VIDEO: EXCLUSIVE : NI homeless service to become homeless
After five years, the well-known drop-in centre set to lose Belfast base
Last updated 29th May 2019
A well-known homeless service catering for hundreds on Belfast's streets every week is set to lose its home in the city centre, it can be revealed today (Wed).
Place of Victory for all Nations Homeless Drop in has been running for more than five years now, but on Thursday night, they will have nowhere to operate.
The service is run entirely by volunteers.
The lease on its building has expired, and it has struggled to find a new place to continue the work.
Based in Amelia Street, the centre is in the heart of Belfast and therefore accessible to those most in need.
It opens on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and regularly helps up to 60 service users on average each evening.
Supervisor Liz Rocks says its devastating for both the service users and the volunteers.
In an exclusive interview, she told us how vital the service is.
"Since 2014, we've been here to offer advice, support and most of all company to those who are living on the streets," she said.
"We help about 50-60 people a night, and the thought that we won't be here for them anymore is the hardest part.
"We are a homeless project that's becoming homeless, it just doesn't make sense".
Liz made an emotional plea to the public for help and support in finding a new building so they can continue their service.
"We just need people to come forward, even if they have contacts of a building that we could you or able to help us out in any way, even if it's just professional guidance and support. We would appreciate it so much," she said.
Sonya McCullough McKnight found herself homeless in 2017 after she lost her job.
The mum of three told us how much it impacted her life.
"I was in a very dark place, I lost my job and was homeless for 4 months. I know you hear you're only a pay cheque away from being homeless, but honestly, I never thought it would happen to me," she said.
"It was so tough, I had a job and a family up until that point. But this service gave me so much help and support and helped me turn my life around. I'm now a volunteer, something I never could imagine a few years ago."
If you would like to get in contact with the charity, please ring Liz on 07885282950.