The funding will be distributed by the charity Homeless Connect to homelessness service providers. It will be used to deliver social events, such as Christmas dinners, and to provide small gifts to people who are supported by these providers.
The Minister said: “I am pleased that during Homelessness Awareness Week I can announce this goodwill grant of £150,000. I hope the grant ensures that those experiencing homelessness can have a more enjoyable and positive Christmas.
“Earlier this week, I made a series of significant funding and support announcements in the Assembly to address the broader issue of homelessness. Alongside those measures, this is a small but significant effort to bring some festive cheer into the lives of people who might otherwise go without during the Christmas period.”
Nicole Lappin, chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, said: “The Housing Executive continues to work with statutory, voluntary and grassroots organisations to address a problem which touches many communities and many lives here. We share the Minister’s ambition to reduce homelessness, and want to highlight that help is available – at Christmas time and throughout the year – for those facing crisis.”
Chief Executive of Homeless Connect Nicola McCrudden said: “During Homelessness Awareness Week, a range of social, educational and awareness-raising events are taking place to highlight the reality of homelessness in our society.
“This is Homelessness Awareness Week and the theme, Time for Change, reflects a growing consensus that homelessness is not inevitable and is solvable. Achieving change however requires all of us to consider what we can do differently. At Homeless Connect, we believe in collaboration and we have seen the results when people and groups come together to bring about change.
“As we look to address the bigger issues, we must never forget that people are at the heart of this and at times smaller gestures can be just as important. The provision of this funding makes a genuine difference and it is a very welcome boost for the adults, children and young people experiencing homelessness over the festive period.”