4th August, 2016

Extern today, 3 August 2016, welcomed Minister for Communities, Paul Givan, MLA, to its Belfast Ormeau Centre for people who are homeless. Like the Charity, the Ormeau Centre, has been in operation since 1978, and currently provides over 11,000 bed nights annually, and support services to people who are homeless.

The Minister was visiting the Centre to learn of Extern’s work across Northern Ireland, and Ireland, and to meet the Chief Executive, staff, and clients. Annually the Charity delivers over £20m in funded projects by Government Departments, Agencies and Funding Bodies across Ireland, providing support to families, and individuals in need.

Commenting on the visit by the Minister, Charlie Mack, Extern CEO, said;

“We are delighted to welcome the Minister for Communities here today, to see the works Extern undertakes to help people in need. The Ormeau Centre is one of 40 Extern sites across Ireland providing support to families, young people, people who are homeless, those facing social exclusion and other difficult issues. At Extern we meet people at their point of need, so today’s visit will provide the Minister with a glimpse of how we make a difference to our own local communities. At Extern we believe that everyone can make a positive contribution to society, and our 390 staff and volunteers are focused on changing our client’s lives every day.”

Reflecting on the visit to Extern, Minister for Communities, Paul Givan MLA, said;

"My Department provides over £2.5 million of funding annually to support the work of Extern. I welcomed the opportunity to visit the Ormeau Centre today, to meet the residents and staff there and hear how that funding is being used to support those that are homeless and helping them to rebuild their lives."