Killyclogher MBE helps mark major milestone for Belfast homeless charity

Killyclogher man James McGinn MBE helped mark a significant milestone for Belfast Homeless Services with the official opening of a new £530,000 city centre facility, providing vital support to people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.

James, originally from Killyclogher, is a board member and volunteer with the charity, which has grown significantly since its establishment in 2019 and now supports up to 80 people each evening it operates, providing more than 10,000 meals annually.

The new centre at 35a King Street in Belfast provides a safe and welcoming environment offering nutritious hot meals, clothing, toiletries and sleeping bags, alongside indoor respite and opportunities for social interaction.

The official opening was attended by senior representatives from the PSNI, including Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, alongside representatives from government, business, charitable organisations and homelessness support services.

The new centre represents a major development for the organisation, providing fully equipped facilities that enable it to offer greater dignity, comfort and support to those accessing its services.

Belfast Homeless Services is supported by 70 volunteers, three part-time staff members, and a voluntary board of 12 members. With annual running costs of approximately £170,000, the charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and external funding to sustain its operations, provide volunteer training and continue developing its services.

James McGinn MBE of Belfast Homeless Services said: “Homelessness continues to be a significant issue across Belfast and Northern Ireland, and sadly, the demand for support continues to grow. There is a vital need for somewhere in the heart of our city where people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability can find warmth, food support and a friendly face.”

“The new Belfast Homeless Centre is a major step forward in providing that support. It offers a safe, welcoming environment where people can access essential services, feel valued and receive the help they need. We currently support up to 80 people each evening we operate, and our ambition is to extend our services to reach even more people.

However, with annual running costs of approximately £170,000, we are heavily reliant on donations and funding to sustain our work. We are incredibly grateful to our amazing team of volunteers and everyone who has supported us to reach this milestone, but continued support from the public, businesses and other organisations is essential if we are to build on what we have achieved and make a lasting difference to those who need us most,” James added.

According to the latest Northern Ireland Homelessness Bulletin (October 2025 – March 2026), 7,836 households presented as homeless during the six months, with 5,039 households accepted as statutorily homeless. As of March 2026, 50,381 households were on Northern Ireland’s social housing waiting list, including 33,412 households with homelessness status.

Against this challenging backdrop, Belfast Homeless Services is committed to expanding the availability of its services, improving the wellbeing and independence of people experiencing homelessness, developing its volunteer team and strengthening its long-term sustainability.

As part of these ambitions, the charity is encouraging individuals and businesses to support its work through donations, fundraising and corporate partnerships. The charity is also promoting its Friends of Belfast Homeless Services initiative, which enables supporters to make a regular monthly donation from as little as £5.

To find out more about Belfast Homeless Services, become a Friend or make a donation, visit www.belfasthomelessservices.com.