A Co Fermanagh housing support group is set to sleep on the streets of Enniskillen this weekend to highlight issues around homelessness in the area.
First Housing is a non-profit organisation providing advice and support for those in housing difficulties in Co Fermanagh.
The group’s staff and a number of its service users will be taking to The Diamond in Enniskillen on Friday night from 6pm to 6am, in order to raise funds to support vulnerable people in the local community.
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Group support officer Mick Lodge said while rough sleeping may not be a significant issue locally, the cost of living crisis and increasing rent prices are leading many to use temporary accommodation, sofa surf and living in unsuitable conditions.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of referrals we get locally for a number of reasons,” Mick said.
“With the rise in interest rates many landlords have put up their rental costs and that combined with a lack of social housing is causing a problem.
“Then when you add the cost of living crisis we have seen a lot more people using our services than ever before.”
Mick says First Housing is now helping more than 100 people locally who are in distress.
“People have the idea of homelessness being rough sleeping, but many of those struggling are the hidden homeless who are going from house to house.
“We have seen more and more people’s mental health being affected by what they are going through as well.”
Mick encouraged anyone who wanted to donate or find out any more information about the impact of homelessness locally to visit The Diamond from 6pm this Friday, 9 December.
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