The staff at a South Belfast community centre have been placed on notice as it faces a possible closure over budget uncertainties.
The South City Resource and Development Centre, off the Donegall Road, could be forced to close at the start of April as it is still yet to receive news about its funding for the upcoming financial year as the Executive budget has not been set.
It is understood that community organisations across Belfast are in a similar position due to a lack of clarity over how much funding they could receive.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Bob Stoker, of South City Resource and Development Centre said that if the centre and others across Belfast were forced to close, it would have a huge impact on communities particularly during the cost of living crisis.
He said: "Due to the uncertainties that we face regarding our funding there is a possibility that the centre may have to close at the end of the month and we have had to serve four weeks notice to all of our staff.
"The impact that this could have on our community here in South Belfast is huge, especially during a time when many households are struggling with the cost of living.
"We have such a wide range of services, from running breakfast clubs for the local school to providing benefit support and debt advice to people who are struggling and this will no longer be available if we have to close our doors.
"This has all come about because we are still in the dark with regards to our funding for the upcoming financial year and we are not the only organisation going through this, many across the city will be unsure whether or not they will be able to open their doors in April or if their staff members will still have jobs."
Loretta and Liz are two of the staff members at South City Resource and Development Centre and provide vital support to those in need and have had first hand experience of the support it can provide as they first visited the centre in order to seek help for themselves.
Liz said: "I first came here in 2006 when I was going through a very tough time and up to my eyes in debt. I wouldn't have been able to get to where I am now if it wasn't for the support that was given to me here and eventually I was able to receive training and help others who are going through the same hardship.
"It will be devastating to the community here if we are forced to close because our services are more important now than they ever have been."
Bob said that while the staff at the centre are unsure about their jobs, they are still determined to provide support for the area in the future.
He continued: "This is not just a job for the people here because the work they do is so important to the community and our staff have said they would continue to volunteer if they do lose their jobs because there is such a need for the services out there.
"But community organisations who do vital work should not be in this position, one month from the end of the financial year, and we still don't know about our funding."
A DfC spokesperson said: "No budget has been set for departments for the 2023-24 Financial Year, although the financial outlook is likely to be very challenging. Discussions are ongoing and it is hoped that the Budget position will be clarified as soon as possible."
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