Foyle Haven asked to submit business case

The Department for Social Development said yesterday that the Housing Executive currently provides £68,000 for Foyle Haven and has also handed over an additional £38,000 to keep the service going until the end of March.

This additional funding has been necessary because Big Lottery funding for the project ran out in November. Last week, DePaul which runs Foyle Haven, confirmed that funding has all but dried up for the service.

Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin this week called on the Minister of Social Development Lord Maurice Morrow to clarify the future provision for Foyle Haven.

Ms McLaughlin said staff have been placed on protective notice.

“This announcement will cause a great deal of anxiety to the staff at the centre who carry out great work for those most in need. Foyle Haven provides a much-needed service in this city in terms of helping those struggling with addiction and homelessness.”

A DSD spokesperson said: “The Department is aware that Foyle Haven’s funding from the Big Lottery Fund is due to end. The NI Housing Executive currently provides £68,000 to Foyle Haven and has been able to provide an additional £38,000 funding up to 31 March 2016. The NIHE has also invited DePaul to submit a business case for funding in 2016/2017. The Department is content that the Housing Executive is doing all it can at the moment to assist Foyle Haven.”