Homeless people in Belfast have been forced to use public transport to stay warm during recent cold weather, a local charity has said.
The People’s Kitchen say outreach services in the city are currently under “extreme pressure” with an increase in those presenting as homeless.
The Housing Executive currently have their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in place amid snow and ice warnings. However, those in the homeless sector are concerned that numbers on the streets will continue to rise when this is stepped down.
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Independent councillor and co-ordinator at The People’s Kitchen, Paul McCusker, said: “During the cold weather those experiencing homelessness and at risk of rough sleeping have been telling the team at the People’s Kitchen Belfast that this week they have been using public transport to keep warm from the cold weather and snow.
“Services are under extreme pressure dealing with an increase in those presenting homeless and having no other option but to stay in crash facilities, which only provide accommodation from 8pm until 7am and many highlighting that during the day they have no other option but to walk the streets.
“Northern Ireland Housing Executive currently have their severe weather protocol (SWEP) in place until Friday and those in the homeless sector are concerned when this is stepped down the numbers on the streets will continue to increase.
“We need an urgent response on dealing with this emergency to ensure those who are homeless and risk of rough sleeping are able to access the appropriate support, Peoples Kitchen team will be meeting Minister Lyons on the 15th of January 2025 and we will be highlighting these concerns to him.”
The Housing Executive’s SWEP ensures the availability of accommodation to all those rough sleeping and who could be at risk due to severe weather conditions, for example when temperatures fall near or below freezing. The most prominent reason as to why a SWEP is called is due to severe cold weather including snow and ice, with temperatures below zero.
A Housing Executive spokesperson said: “We can confirm the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is currently in place and, as always, this will be kept under review in the days ahead. Additional emergency facilities are in place, are being utilised and we have continued to meet our statutory duties to those presenting in need of accommodation.
“We’d like to thank those homeless providers and voluntary organisations who have been providing extra bed spaces, support and outreach during this cold snap. In addition to the SWEP arrangements, our own teams have also been working round the clock to ensure all available accommodation and support is available for those who find themselves homeless or rough sleeping.”
Translink have been contacted for comment.
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