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Francis Street
Accommodation
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“I came out of care 7 months ago and had nowhere to
go. I ended up sleeping on my friend’s sofa for a while and then I
moved into a private flat. I was only there a matter of weeks when my
landlord asked me to leave because I got behind with my rent. I was so
upset because I couldn’t face being homeless all over again. When I
contacted First Housing they offered me accommodation. I have a nice
flat now and I am doing a hairdressing course at the TECH. Things for
me are much better now”.
Eimear, 17, resident Francis Street
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Early Years Programme
Shepherds View
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In
2003 we established an Early Years Programme for children aged 0-5
years living in our interim accommodation projects. The aim of
this programme is to meet the individual learning and developmental
needs of pre-school children through play based activities and to offer
respite for parents that have little family support.
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Jefferson Court
Accommodation
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“I used to
throw stones at the police just to get a bed for the night, that’s how
bad things were for me at home. If First Housing wasn’t here for
people like me I don’t know where I would have ended up, probably
prison or worse."
John, 22, resident Jefferson Court
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Young Fathers
Project
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“Being a Daddy has its ups and downs because being a
parent is hard work. But my daughter means everything to me and I
am determined to do the best I can for her. I’ve learnt so much
from the Fatherhood Programme”.
Daniel, aged 19
2008 saw the ‘Da Project’ receive 2nd place in the best
Charity / Voluntary Project category of the National Lottery Awards.
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SmartMove Office
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“SmartMove is
the best project I have come across for housing the homeless. I
can now get my life back together.
I would recommend the scheme to anyone”.
Irene, SmartMove tenant
“The
service I receive from SmartMove is excellent. The scheme is helping
everyone and I am happy to help the scheme, it’s a good thing”
Dawn McKoy, Landlord
Since the establishment of SmartMove in Northern Ireland we have
assisted 1900 households secure permanent housing.
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Training and Employment Opportunities
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Our
‘Pathways from Homelessness’ initiative is designed to help
people who are homeless make a successful transition to independence
through education, training or employment.
In 2007, 386 service users took up a training course, returned to
full-time education or went into employment.
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Housing Advice
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We
offer specialist advice and housing information on a wide range of
issues to assist clients achieve the best possible solution to their
housing problems.
In 2007, 3335 people contacted our Housing Rights Service in relation
to a specific housing or benefit related problem.
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