HPF – Home Project

NIYF is the only youth work organisation in NI specialising in youth homelessness, and this project continues our mission of placing young people with lived experience at the heart of developing and delivering solutions. 

The young people we will support are some of the most vulnerable in our society. Many experience multiple, overlapping challenges, including:

• Addiction and poor mental health
• Sexual exploitation and abusive relationships
• Contact with or impact from the criminal justice system
• Paramilitary control and coercion
• Complete absence of family or social support networks
• Racism, Xenophobia and victims of hate crime

This project is currently working across Belfast and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council areas offering drop-in services, advocacy work, hardship fund, therapeutic intervention, one-to-one support and group work opportunities all with the central theme of raising public awareness of homelessness and the importance of prevention.

Aims of the project:

• Prevent youth homelessness through early, targeted, and trauma-informed interventions
• Empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and support to remain safely housed
• Address mental health, financial insecurity, and social isolation
• Support young women and mothers facing specific vulnerabilities
• Equip staff and partner organisations with best-practice prevention tools
• Amplify youth voice in policy and service development

If you are interested in learning more about the Home Project contact rebekah.rushe@niyf.org