- Project focus: Creating accommodation through permanently owned property
- Who it supports: Young people
- Location: Northern Ireland
Shelter NI is an established homelessness charity that delivers the SLATE project in Omagh, providing supported accommodation and tenancy sustainment support for young people aged 16–25. This organisation is independent of Shelter England/Scotland, operating on a much smaller scale with a focus on direct service delivery.
Shelter NI has recently had the opportunity to purchase the building that it has leased for several years. Grant funding will be used to convert unused space within its Castle Street premises in Omagh into two self-contained accommodation units for young people aged 16 to 25 experiencing homelessness. The accommodation will provide both emergency and transitional housing alongside intensive support to help young people develop independent living skills and move into long-term accommodation.
The project responds to a clear gap in provision for young people, including care-experienced young people, in a rural community where housing options can be limited. The accommodation is located alongside the existing support services, giving residents direct access to advice, counselling and tenancy sustainment support. The project will also contribute learning about transitional accommodation pathways and youth homelessness in rural communities.
