JANET Hunter, who has been director of Belfast-based charity Housing Rights for more than two decades, has been awarded an OBE for her services to the community in the New Year’s Honours list.
The charity provides advice, advocacy and representation services to people who are homeless or in housing need throughout Northern Ireland.
Her passion for housing, and her belief in the ability of housing to transform lives, has grown throughout her career, and Janet - who was appointed to her role in 1994 - is unwavering in her commitment to make a positive difference to the lives of the people who are homeless or have housing problems.
“It has been an unexpected privilege to receive this level of recognition, but it is not all about me," Janet said on Thursday.
"This award is a great tribute to the excellent work which Housing Rights has done over many difficult decades to help tackle the often acute, and sometimes unique, housing problems of people living in Northern Ireland.”
Gráinne Walsh, chair of Housing Rights, said: “I'm delighted by this recognition of Janet’s commitment to improving the lives of people who are struggling with homelessness or housing problems.
"I know that she would want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Housing Rights team who have worked alongside her over the last 21 years.
"In focusing on Housing Rights vision when everyone has a home, Janet's thoughtful leadership is inspiring to anyone who knows her.”
Last year Housing Rights - which was established in 1964 - prevented homelessness and improved the housing situation of more than 10,000 individuals and families in Northern Ireland and provided advice and assistance on 43,000 housing issues.
