Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has pledged to implement a fundamental transformation in how homelessness is managed across Northern Ireland.
The announcement was made during an event hosted by Housing Rights within the Parliament Buildings on 16 September 2026.
Lyons described the proposed reforms as a once-in-a-generation initiative designed to reset the approach to tackling housing insecurity.
Central to the new strategy is the establishment of a Homelessness Commission for Northern Ireland to oversee the transition.
The Minister emphasised that prevention and early intervention will now form the core of the system rather than reactive measures.
Funding has been secured to support this shift, including £10million allocated to the Loan to Acquire Move-on Accommodation Scheme.
This financial injection enables homelessness organisations to purchase properties for individuals currently residing in hostels.
Additional resources include an increase in annual funding for the Supporting People programme from £72.8million to approximately £84million for the 2025/26 period.
More than £9million has also been designated for the New Foundations Project, which aims to prevent care-leavers from becoming homeless.