SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has said that funding must be found to secure the future of homelessness support group Foyle Haven.
As a result of proposed cuts by the Department for Communities, homelessness services would lose funding.
Among the groups impacted would be Depaul NI which provides support to Foyle Haven.
If funding ends as planned in October the future of Foyle Haven will be in jeopardy.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Everyone in this city and the wider area is well aware of the fantastic work that Foyle Haven has done over the past two decades to support those experiencing homelessness.
“Each day this centre helps people from all backgrounds, ensuring that they get the help they need, while providing them with basic dignity at a very difficult time.
“Hundreds of people pass through the doors of Foyle Haven every year and without these services they will have nowhere to turn.
“This centre has helped countless people get back on their feet over the years, whether through helping them get housing or supporting those with addiction and mental health problems.
“In our city people who are struggling often find it difficult to access care and it’s no exaggeration to say that Foyle Haven do life-saving work.
“The removal of this funding would be extremely short-sighted, any monetary saving would be quickly negated by the devastating knock on effect of losing these services.
“The people relying on Foyle Haven would instead be signposted to our health service which is already at the point of collapse and the removal of this important structural support would no doubt have a negative impact on many lives.
“I will be contacting the department to make it clear that the SDLP believes it is crucial that these services are maintained.
“Whatever financial pressures are currently facing the Executive we cannot strip funding away from crucial services which do incredible work to support the most vulnerable in our society.”
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