The Social Development Minister has pledged to commit to help people who are homeless.

Minister Mervyn Storey made the confirmation to mark the start of Homelessness Awareness Week.

He said: "The sector does an excellent job each year in raising awareness of this important issue and highlighting the support available. In this important week, I want to reiterate my commitment to addressing homelessness in Northern Ireland.

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"The Supporting People funding from my Department provides vital accommodation and outreach services and I have had the pleasure of seeing a significant amount of this work first-hand from services to support those with complex needs such as alcohol addiction at the Stella Maris Hostel, the Ruth House refuge for women and children who have experienced domestic violence, to the Utility Street Hostel which specifically provides accommodation for homeless men. The range of services this funding supports is extensive and vital as we work to support the homeless.

"Homelessness is however about much more than rooflessness. Importantly the funding through Supporting People assists many people maintain a tenancy, through floating support services such as that provided by First Housing Support Services."

(CD/LM)