DESPITE recent highly-publicised deaths of homeless people on the streets of Belfast, there is "not one reference to homelessness within 114 page Programme for Government", a conference has heard.
Jim Dennison, chief executive of Simon Community NI, warned it is "far too big and important an issue to ignore" and called for "an outcomes-based approach" to the problem.
Five people died within weeks of each other earlier this year, leading to a call for action.
A summit was held in April and its recommendations were published at a conference yesterday.
"Homelessness is not just about having a roof over your head," he said.
"People find themselves homeless for a variety of reasons, and so the solution to the problem needs a joined-up approach.
"Mental health issues, relationship breakdown, lack of tenancy rights, addiction and resettlement after release from prison are just some of the factors which can contribute to homelessness, and so this must be reflected in how government responds to this complex issue."
He said "its omission in the Programme must be addressed as part of the consultation process".
"It cannot simply be shoe-horned in under `other outcomes'... the need to measure the extent of homelessness is central to ending it."
The report features contributions from a variety of organisations including MACS, who work in support of vulnerable children and young people and Extern, who gave insight into the experience of ex-offenders through its multi-disciplinary Homeless Support team, focussing on physical and mental ill health, and addiction support.
Charlie Mack of Extern said demand for its services "has increased by over 50 per cent in the last two years and underlines the fact that homelessness is much more than just a housing issue".
Mary Ryan of MACS told the conference many of the young people they work with "have become stuck in a rut and are engaged in negative patterns of thinking and behaviour that prevent them from fulfilling their potential and leading the lives that they want to lead".
"We know that the causes of homelessness are many and varied, and that is why it is essential that government approach the issue in a way that reflects this," she said.
