Homeless charities have urged the public to sign up as emergency cover staff during the coronavirus pandemic.
Extra staff are needed to prevent services to vulnerable people from having to shut their doors
The paid roles include reception and cleaning staff, as well as specialist roles including support workers, healthcare workers, and night staff.
Homeless organisations including Depaul, Extern, First Housing Aid and Support Services (FHASS) and the Simon Community, are asking members of the public with relevant qualifications and experience to add their name to an emergency cover register.
Emergency staff may be called on if staff in the charities have to take time off, including to self-isolate, during the pandemic.
The Crisis Cover initiative is being managed by charity Quality Matters and is funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Danny McQuillan, from Extern, said the emergency roles will provide some employment.
"Work forms a huge part of our everyday routine and to have that taken away suddenly not only affects people’s pockets but also their stress levels," he said.
"We are now in the position where we can offer people much needed employment and also the opportunity to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and I would appeal for people to please apply to Crisis Cover if you can.”
Colm McQuillan Director of Housing Services who is supporting the initiative said: “Ensuring we keep services running for the most vulnerable is vitally important.
"This initiative plays an important role in connecting people who can help with those that need it."
To register for emergency cover, visit www.crisiscover.ie
