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Housing Executive staff from South Down held office collections last week for two charities as part of Homelessness Awareness Week
Groceries, household items and toiletries were donated by staff in the Newry and Downpatrick offices, as well as members of the public and local businesses.
Newry Women’s Aid and the Simon Community in Newry and Downpatrick received their bundles to help towards their invaluable work with those experiencing homelessness in the local area.
A series of other social and educational events were held across Northern Ireland during the week to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness about homelessness.
Claire Crainey, Housing Executive South Down Area Manager, said: “Our staff work hard on the front line on a daily basis to help people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
“As part of Homelessness Awareness Week, and as we approach the festive period, we wanted to do something practical to help those who are going through one of the toughest times in their lives.
“We are very grateful to Women’s Aid and the Simon Community for their work throughout the year and especially over the festive period which is a difficult time for many.
“Our collaborative approach via various projects allows us to collectively assist people in very difficult circumstances. We hope our donations will be of some practical use to their clients.”
Catherine Carey, the Housing Executive’s Homelessness Strategy Manager, said: “It is important that all the various statutory and voluntary groups go on working together in order to prevent homelessness and to ensure that we provide appropriate support to those households experiencing homelessness.
“Collaborative working is at the heart of our South Down Homelessness Local Area Group and we will continue to raise awareness so that people and communities know what support is available to them and how they can access it.”
For more information visit www.nihe.gov.uk
