More information can be found at: www. macsni.org/events/end-youth-homelessness-sleep-out/ or www.eyh.org.uk/ en/sleep-out/

THE number of people currently sleeping rough on the streets of Belfast has more than trebled compared to the same period last year, figures from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) have revealed.

The housing body’s findings come in its annual street count, which is carried out in partnership with other statutory agencies and homeless organisations.

Sixteen people were encountered on the street between the hours of 2am and 5am on November 6, according to the count. During the same period last year, only five people were recorded sleeping rough.

The NIHE said that of the 16 individuals who were offered access to emergency temporary accommodation, only two availed of the service.

Colm McQuillan, director of housing services at NIHE, said it is aware of the “increased prevalence in the city of rough sleeping and street activity”.

“The most recent street count has confirmed this trend,” he added.

“We work with all agencies to do all we can collectively to ensure we have sufficient temporary accommodation to meet demand and we are particularly aware of this coming into the winter period.”

He stressed steps are being taken to increase provision of emergency accommodation options available in Belfast city centre, particularly over the winter months, as well as the development of an action plan due to go out to public consultation next year.

“Many of the people identified as chronically homeless, including people who sleep rough, are characterised by chaotic lifestyles and poor health and well-being,” he said.

“It is typically difficult for these individuals to engage with services and they often decline offers of assistance.”

Currently, the NIHE funds 900 temporary accommodation units and provides a range of support services in Belfast including 11 direct access hostels comprising 348 units, and 10 hostels for families which boasts 237 units.

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker praised homeless providers for their hard work and efforts but urged NIHE to make its action plan available now.

“Pressures on hostel provision have been a concern all year with NIHE being aware, and the longer people spend on the street they run the risk of becoming entrenched,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a UK-wide homeless organisation will be holding a sleepout in the city for the first time overnight tonight at South 13, Boucher Road.

Local charity MACS Supporting Children and Young People is hosting the event, which has over 100 people signed up to participate.