Belfast Homeless Services has officially opened its new centre at 35a King Street, following an investment of £530,000. The opening marks a significant milestone for the charity as it continues to provide vital support to people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.
The official opening was attended by senior representatives from the PSNI, including the Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, and a wide range of organisations spanning government, local authorities, the business community, charitable organisations, housing, health and homelessness support services.
The event provided an important opportunity for Belfast Homeless Services to raise awareness of its vital work, strengthen relationships and encourage greater collaboration and much-needed financial support to sustain its services.
Established in 2019, Belfast Homeless Services has grown significantly in response to increasing demand for its services. The charity now supports up to 80 people each night it operates and provides more than 10,000 meals annually.
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. Operating four evenings a week, with ambitions to extend to five, the centre provides a safe and welcoming environment offering nutritious hot meals, clothing, toiletries and sleeping bags, alongside indoor respite, recreational activities and opportunities for social interaction.
Belfast Homeless Services is supported by 70 volunteers, three part-time members of staff 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-month period, 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.