I will be taking part in the Belfast Sleep Out on a c-c-cold November night on behalf of Belfast Live. Please help me fundraise for MACS  to End Youth Homelessness.

MACS supporting children and young people, are tackling the problem locally by providing a home and support to over 1000 vulnerable young people each year. They provide supported housing in Belfast , Lisburn , Downpatrick, Newcastle and Newry; and floating support to young people across NI.  

3800 young people present as homeless each year across Northern. The housing and cost of living crises are driving homelessness across all ages but young people's journey into homelessness can involve a complex history of family conflict, abuse, relationship breakdown, self-esteem and mental health issues, generational poverty, trauma and low levels of educational attainment and employment. Once young people experience homelessness their risk of drug misuse, poor mental health, self-harm and involvement in crime increases as does their risk of becoming long-term or street homeless.
MACS's focus is on early intervention; in helping young people build a pathway out of the homelessness cycle. MACS support  young people in regaining stability and progressing with their lives and ambitions. MACS treat each person as an individual and offer holistic support guided by what each young person requires.

Just one of the ways MACS helps young people facing homelessness is their groundbreaking 'shared housing’ scheme which helps young people share the costs of renting.

Another approach is MACS rent deposit scheme. With End Youth Homelessness support MACS provide a rent deposit to help young people secure a suitable home.

With the right opportunities and support, homeless young people can turn their lives around and build successful futures.
So, THANK YOU for your support, together we can end youth homelessness.

Much love, Shauna