Warning the scale of homelessness in NI is worse than figures show

Leading homelessness charity, Simon Community has revealed Hidden Homelessness is a growing problem across Northern Ireland, with many people unable to access adequate support or a place to call home.

The official homeless statistics for Northern Ireland currently stand at 55,500 people, including 4,500 children, but Simon Community warns that the true scale of the homelessness crisis is significantly under-reported.

Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of Simon Community NI, said:

“This research comes at a critical time as the homelessness crisis worsens across Northern Ireland. The scale of the problem is shocking - 80,000 people, which is the equivalent to one parliamentary constituency or a city roughly the size of Derry/ Londonderry.

“It is simply inexcusable that people cannot access a permanent home. There are social and economic factors driving hidden homelessness and the long-term impact of this is devastating both mentally and physically.”

Individuals who do not show up in official statistics and are not accessing public support are known as ‘hidden homeless’ and are forced to live in a variety of situations ranging from staying with family or friends, sofa surfing or even sleeping in cars.

The research, carried out with 1050 people in Northern Ireland, also revealed that the most common reason (37%) for experiencing hidden homelessness was the loss of home from the private rental market. This is likely due to the surging costs in the private rental market, making rent unaffordable for those on lower incomes.

The research also showed that the overwhelming majority of people who are hidden homeless - 77% - are experiencing it for a period of six months or longer, and that younger people (18-34-year-olds) are those most at risk, with many unable to access the property market due to the current cost-of-living crisis creating increased financial strain.

Professor Ann Marie Gray, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University, who also spoke to guests at the event added; “The findings presented today are unsurprising especially if we consider the wider economic challenges that people have been facing recently.

"Following the pandemic, households have been struggling with the cost of living as well as huge hikes in interest rates and inflation.

"This has undoubtedly impacted affordability for housing forcing some to be faced with the reality of becoming homeless. It is time for radical and structural change to tackle this growing problem.”