Housing Poverty Discussion at the Hope Centre!

Last Thursday, at the Hope Centre, multiple agencies came together to confront the growing crisis that affects too many in our community, the issue of housing poverty. The stories we hear at the Hope Centre every day from families on the brink of homelessness to elderly people struggling to find a safe place to live, remind us how urgent this issue is. The event, organised in partnership with the Causeway Coast and Glens Anti-Poverty Group and the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network, brought together key voices to address the pressing issue of housing poverty and explore collaborative solutions.

Our CEO, Ricky Wright, opened the event by emphasising the urgency of working together and highlighting the wide range of people affected by housing distress:

"On a daily basis, we all hear firsthand of the impact of poverty on people's lives. And over the past year or more in our regular meetings together, housing has been one of the consistent factors in people’s difficulties. It’s an issue that is rapidly becoming more of a common factor for many of the people we all support.”

Ricky went on to stress that housing poverty affects people of all ages, from young families to the elderly, and that it can happen to anyone:

“Every day, we see the devastating impact housing challenges have on individuals and families from all walks of life. This isn't a problem we can solve alone; it requires collaboration across all sectors to find meaningful, lasting solutions. Today's gathering is a crucial step towards addressing these challenges and working together to bring real change.”

The event brought together representatives from statutory organisations, government bodies, and local advocacy groups, all of whom play a key role in decisions that impact housing in our community. Discussions centred on the shortage of affordable homes, the rising issue of homelessness and lack of social housing. This pressure is particularly evident in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, where rental prices have soared. Over the past year alone, rental prices in the area saw a staggering 14.2% increase, the second highest in the region. Between 2015 and 2023, rent costs surged by 60%, making it increasingly difficult for low- and middle-income families to afford stable housing.

Despite the serious challenges discussed, the sense of hope and determination in the room was unmistakable. As Ricky told the audience, "I can’t do everything… but I can do something… I won’t let what I can’t do interfere with what I can do." This sentiment resonated with everyone present, reminding us that while the problem is complex, each person, organisation, and agency has a role to play in bringing about change.

Throughout the day, participants shared insights and ideas for collective solutions, focusing on inter-agency cooperation, increased government investment in housing, and the role of community-led initiatives. The event concluded with a strong sense of commitment from all parties to work together in tackling housing poverty and building sustainable solutions for the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

For more information on Vineyard Compassion’s efforts to alleviate poverty, please contact our team at the Hope Centre.