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Statement from Extern on the relocation of its Homeless Support Service to King Street
Following recent media coverage of the planned relocation of Extern's Homeless Support Service to King Street, our CEO Leslie-Ann Scott has issued the statement below. It sets out who the service supports, how it operates, and why people seeking help with homelessness should never be viewed as a safeguarding concern.
Leslie-Ann Scott, Extern CEO, said:
"People accessing homelessness support should not be viewed as a safeguarding concern simply because they need help.
“The service relocating to King Street is Extern's Homeless Support Service, a long-established city centre service that has supported people across Belfast for almost 30 years.
“The people who access this service include families with dependent children, young people leaving care and individuals facing a range of housing-related challenges. Many are seeking support at a point where timely intervention can prevent homelessness and help maintain stability for themselves and their families.
“Of those seeking support, many are experiencing the impact of poverty, ill health, trauma, domestic abuse, exploitation, family breakdown or wider cost-of-living pressures. Every year, the service supports more than 900 individuals and families across Belfast and remains an important city-centre service.
“We are concerned by suggestions that people experiencing homelessness or housing instability should be viewed as a risk to children simply because they require support. Many of those accessing our service are themselves vulnerable and are seeking help during a difficult period in their lives.
Leslie Ann continued, “It is also important to understand how the service operates. Extern’s Homeless Support Service is not a drop-in facility. It primarily serves as an office base for staff, with much of the team's work delivered through outreach across Belfast. Individuals attending the office do so by appointment and are received within the building.
In conclusion Leslie-Ann said, "Homelessness can affect anyone and we are here to support those who find themselves facing that reality. The people who use this service are members of our community. They are someone's son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, friend or neighbour.
“Belfast is fortunate to have a strong network of community, voluntary and statutory organisations supporting people at times of need. While our roles may differ, we are united by a shared belief that everyone deserves support, opportunity and hope, regardless of the circumstances they face."