Official statistics indicate a growing homelessness problem.

The Housing Executive records the level of homelessness in Northern Ireland.   Last year 21,013 households presented as homeless to the NIHE.

Almost half of those who apply to the NIHE as homeless are assessed as meeting the legal criteria i.e. are 'unintentionally homeless' and in 'priority need'.  Those who meet the legal criteria are referred to as Full Duty applicants.  In 2006/07 9,749 were Full Duty applicants – and received the full level of assistance available under the law.

Simon Community Northern Ireland records and collates information about individuals seeking help from the organisation.   On the one hand these figures are not completely in addition to NI Housing Executive statistics, yet there are also occasions when the homeless person or household does not apply to the NI Housing Executive.   The following summary shows the level of need coming to the Simon Community Northern Ireland during 2006/07:

• 3,784 individuals approached Simon Community in need of emergency accommodation.
• 189 families approached Simon Community in need of emergency accommodation.
• 1067 individuals were accommodated and supported in the 279 bed spaces managed by Simon Community.
• 160 adults and 132 children were accommodated and supported in 48 bed spaces managed by Simon Community across 3 sites.
• Just over half (51%) of Simon residents were 16 – 25 years old.
• The main reasons for coming to Simon Community were homelessness as a result of family conflict (31.9%), a dispute with a partner or spouse (13.7%) and intimidation (9.3%).
• over 17% (669) of all people coming to the Simon Community slept rough at some point in the previous 2 weeks.