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Independent North Belfast Councillor Paul McCusker has declared the city's homelessness situation "beyond crisis" following the tragic death of a man known to local services. Councillor McCusker is demanding urgent reform and emergency accommodation measures from the NIHE and DFC to prevent further fatalities, particularly as winter approaches. This heartbreaking incident has increased fear and concern among the city's most vulnerable residents.
2025/12/10
The community is mourning following the tragic news of the death of a man who was sleeping rough on the streets of Belfast. Independent North Belfast Councillor Paul McCusker has voiced serious concern, stating that the situation has escalated 'beyond crisis' and is demanding immediate action from housing authorities.
The man, who sadly passed away recently, was well known to local homeless services. Councillor McCusker highlighted that this heartbreaking loss has sent a wave of fear through the homeless community. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Councillor McCusker stressed that no individual in 2025 should be forced to call the streets their home. He stated that outreach teams are struggling daily and nightly to keep rough sleepers safe, but the current system is failing.
“Homelessness has gone beyond crisis with more individuals that have no other option but to sleep on our streets,” Councillor McCusker said. “We are losing too many people on our streets, and we can no longer sit back and allow this to continue.”
The local representative is urgently calling on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and the Department for Communities (DFC) to implement emergency measures immediately. McCusker noted that the risk significantly increases during the harsh winter months, yet many vulnerable individuals are still being told that no emergency accommodation is available. He reiterated his long-standing concerns about this issue, emphasising that an urgent review and response are necessary to ensure there is enough accommodation access every night and to prevent further preventable deaths in the city.