HRH Prince of Wales visits East Belfast Mission

As part of his UK tour to launch his Homewards project to target homelessness, Prince William this morning visited East Belfast Mission (EBM). Homewards is a 5-year programme aimed at eradicating homelessness in the U.K.

Hosford Community Homes is the homeless service of East Belfast Mission based in the Skainos Centre on the Lower Newtownards Road in East Belfast. For over 20 years, Hosford has provided services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It is is a community lead solution to reducing the 10,000 persons who are deemed homeless in Northern Ireland. Under the new ‘240 project’, unused EBM offices will be converted into 6 apartments and a community hub. The 240 project is one of six projects selected from across the UK that will be supported by Homewards.

Officially welcoming Prince William to the Skainos Centre, Rev Brian Anderson, Chair of EBM’s Board of Trustees said,

“In the past 25-years we’ve helped thousands of people facing homelessness from across the community or who have fled persecution from abroad. We are thrilled to be part of Homewards and by Prince William’s determination to do something about the growing numbers of people who are trapped in homelessness. As a society we need to talk more about homelessness and I hope that the Prince’s visit helps get the conversation started. Making more affordable homes available is part of the solution but it’s not just about bricks and mortar. At EBM we’ve also sought to provide care and support and develop a community that gives people the confidence to rebuild their lives and live independently.”

Mr Tom Dinnen, Capacity Building Coordinator with Hosford Homelessness Services, gave Prince William a tour of the 240 Project. Highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to homelessness, Tom said,

“Hostels are not a long-term solution to homelessness but schemes such as 240, which provide proper apartment accommodation, offer the chance to live in a ‘community home’ that gives people the building blocks to eventually join the housing market. Prince William was aware of the complex issues which cause homelessness, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis and the challenges which the sector is tackling. As homelessness is connected to so many societal issues, including health, education and employment – solving the problem will have major benefits for the whole community.”

Rev. Brian Anderson presents Prince William with a painting from an Iranian lady now safely housed through Hosford Community Homes

Photo: PressEye

Prince William speaks with Aidan Byrne (left) and Mershad, a former refugee who has been supported through EBM’s services and now has his own home

Photo: PressEye