To ask the Minister for Communities, in light of recent figures from the Simon Community showing that there are over 2,600 people homeless in South Antrim, to detail any actions his Department is taking to address this issue.

Prevention of homelessness and the prioritisation of housing solutions for those most in need is a key objective within the Housing Supply Strategy.

In addition to the £4.3m allocated to the Housing Executive for community prevention activities, this year I allocated an additional ringfenced £2.5 million for Strategic Homelessness Prevention which is currently supporting 35 organisations to deliver 42 projects in local areas, including South Antrim.

I also allocated £3 million for the New Foundations Programme to support young people leaving care and prevent them entering homelessness.

My Department will continue to work closely with partners across the Executive to explore opportunities for meaningful joint working and to ensure greater collaboration and engagement at a strategic level to prevent homelessness and improve outcomes for people.