The “invaluable” work of the homeless charity, the Simon Community, has been praised by Derry MLA Pat Ramsey, who hailed it as “a lifeline service” for people in Derry and across the North.
Mr Ramsey, a member of the Assembly Commission, announced the charity as the Assembly’s charity of the year at Stormont earlier.
The SDLP MLA, who met with Simon Community chief executive Jim Dennison, Julie Tully and Brian Shanks (pictured above), said it was extremely worrying that homelessness was increasing but, with almost two dozen sites across the North, the Simon Community worked hard to help those in need of a place to call “home.”
Mr Ramsey added: “Ideally, everyone would love to see a day when homelessness didn’t exist but, the stark reality is that homelessness is increasing. Homelessness can happen to anyone but, thankfully charities such as the Simon Community are a lifeline to people who suddenly find themselves in a position where they have nowhere to go.
“In Derry, the Simon Community’s hostel at Bonds Hill has done much to help those who come through its doors. It has provided a home for many people and helped them get back on their feet.”
Mr Ramsey concluded: “We all must play our part on dispelling the myths around homelessness, and do what we can to support charities such as the Simon Community in their invaluable efforts to tackle what appears to be a growing problem.”
