'The hidden nature of homelessness poses a formidable challenge' - Sinéad Quinn

Contributing to the fight against homelessness in Derry, devoted anti-poverty activist Sinead Quinn unveils the grim reality lying barely beneath the city's surface.

In a frank interview with Derry News, she delves into the intricate web of challenges and expresses her hopes for a brighter future.

Derry Anti-poverty activist Sinéad Quinn.

According to Sinead Quinn, homelessness in Derry is not just a statistic; it's a silent epidemic creeping across the city.
There has, she says, been a surge in the number of people without a home here, with families becoming increasingly reliant on temporary accommodation.

The staggering revelation this week that the Housing Executive allocated £500,000 solely for temporary housing highlights the gravity of the situation. Families are left languishing in inadequate conditions, with some even relegated to temporary lodgings at the Drummond Hotel, echoing Sinead's personal experience of homelessness seven years ago.

Delving into the core of the issue, Sinead points to the multifaceted nature of homelessness in Derry: “A massive one is family breakdown, compounded by a dismal low-wage economy and a dearth of private housing. These factors emerge as primary culprits.

“Addiction and mental health afflictions further exacerbate the crisis, creating a volatile mix within Derry's neighbourhoods.”
Sinead stresses that poverty lies at the heart of the matter, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms to alleviate the financial burdens crippling the city's most vulnerable.

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'Is dúshlán mór é nádúr faoi cheilt na heaspa dídine' - Sinéad Ní Coinn

Despite the commendable efforts of organisations like the Simon Community and the Men's Action Network, Sinead laments the entrenched nature of homelessness in Derry.

She said: “The hidden nature of homelessness, with individuals couch-surfing or living in cars, poses a formidable challenge to documentation and outreach efforts, so busy are politicians' offices with people trying to get housing applications. This underscoring the pressing need for substantive policy reforms to stem the tide of homelessness.”

Navigating the maze of support services can often be daunting for individuals experiencing homelessness in Derry.

Sinead recounts her experience of being greeted by an unwelcoming environment at the Housing Executive as emblematic of systemic failures and bureaucratic indifference.

“Urgent reforms, including enhanced communication channels and independent advocacy services, are imperative to streamline access to support and housing services,” she stresses. “Statutory agencies should be doing better.”

Sinead believes passionately that public awareness and advocacy are linchpins in effecting meaningful change.

Empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to access the services they need is paramount to addressing homelessness in Derry.

Sinead envisions a future where housing rights are upheld and communities rally together to demand substantive reforms from policymakers.

“Advocacy is exactly the word; we need advocates to navigate the system,” she emphasises.

In the face of adversity, Sinead remains resolute in her vision for a more equitable Derry. Urging policymakers to overhaul outdated selection schemes and invest in social housing, Sinead underscores the need for tangible solutions to address the root causes of homelessness.

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With unwavering determination, she champions the cause of the marginalised, offering a beacon of hope for those enduring the anxiety, despair and uncertainty that comes with not having a place to live.

For individuals in need of housing assistance, please contact Housing Rights at 028 9024 5640 or visit their website for support options.

As Sinead aptly summarises, the fight against homelessness in Derry is not just a moral imperative - it's a testament to our collective humanity.

If you would like to contact Míċeál-Piaras please email: moceallaigh01@stmarys-belfast.ac.uk.