WIREDGOV

Parliament Buildings was bathed in a sea of red light this week to mark Homelessness Awareness Week which runs from Sunday 23 – Sunday 30 November 2014. 

The lighting of the building was organised in conjunction with the Simon Community, the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Charity of the Year 2014, and aims to highlight the issue of local homelessness as well as recognising the efforts of all those who work to help those most in need. 

Speaking after the official lighting of the building, Northern Ireland Assembly Commission Member Pat Ramsey MLA said: “Homelessness is an issue that can affect anyone at any time in their lives and the Assembly is pleased to support the efforts of the Simon Community and all those who work in the homelessness sector. We were also delighted that a pop up charity shop organised by staff in Parliament Buildings last week raised just over £2,500 which will be donated to Simon Community NI.  

Mr Ramsey concluded: “The issue of homeless is particularly poignant in the run up to the festive season, when the majority of us prepare to celebrate with our families and friends in the warmth and comfort of our homes. The lighting of Parliament Buildings while symbolic, will, we hope, serve to increase our understanding of the plight of homeless people locally and inspire us to do all that we can to help and support them.”

Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of Simon Community said: “I’m delighted that Parliament Buildings has been lit red in Simon colours during Homelessness Awareness Week. By illuminating this iconic building, the Assembly is not only raising public awareness of the issue but also demonstrating its will and commitment to making homelessness a thing of the past.”

Pictured L-R: Commission Member Peter Weir MLA, Commission Member Samuel Gardiner MBE MLA, Jim Dennison Chief Executive Simon Community NI, Commission Member Pat Ramsey MLA and Commission Member Caitríona Ruane MLA. 

Notes to Editors:

1. The Simon Community NI was chosen, by a staff vote, as the Assembly Charity of the Year 2014/15 and officially launched in September 2014.
2. The Simon Community NI provides emergency accommodation, advice and community support for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
3. Simon Community Northern Ireland’s vision is of a Northern Ireland where “Homelessness is Ended.”
4. Simon Community is the leading homelessness charity in Northern Ireland, operating 23 temporary accommodation units and delivering homelessness prevention programmes as well as harm reduction support to people in need.
5. In 2013/2014, Simon Community NI received 33,000 calls to its helpline 0800 171 2222.
6. 49% of people in Simon Community accommodation are aged 25 and under.
7. Parliament Buildings will be lit in red from Sunday 23 – Sunday 30 November 2014.