Homelessness in Northern Ireland rose by more than 15 per cent last year, it emerged today.
With nearly 10,000 cases confirmed, relationship breakdowns and family disputes were the biggest reasons, Housing Executive chief Paddy McIntyre said.
He pledged to fight the causes as he mapped out the organisation's changing role once powers are transferred to the new super councils in 2009.
Despite implementing its Homelessness Strategy, the numbers declaring themselves without accommodation went up after levelling off for two years.
"The number of households found to be homeless after investigation by the Housing Executive rose from 8,470 in 2004/05 to 9,749 last year," Mr McIntyre confirmed. "This is an average increase across Northern Ireland of 15.1 per cent."
Three out of every five homeless cases last year were permanently rehoused within six months. Over 3,500 households were found temporary accommodation during the same period.
Marital and relationship breakdowns accounted for 931 of the cases, nearly ten per cent of the total.
A further 2,010 applications were accepted as homeless due to the breakdown in sharing arrangements and family rows
- more than 20 per cent of the overall figure.
"Family disputes, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence and leaving care all contribute to the current level of homelessness. They each need different types of support," Mr McIntyre said.
PA