New housing advice resource for migrant
workers
Housing Rights Service, Northern Ireland’s specialist housing advice charity,
has recently developed new online housing advice information specifically for
migrant workers.
Funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, www.housingadviceni.org contains over
800 pages of practical housing advice. There is now a dedicated section
for migrant workers available in six different languages covering key areas
including: renting privately, Houses of Multiple Occupation, intimidation,
discrimination and harassment.
Healy King, ICT Project Manager with Housing Rights Service commented:
“With increased numbers of enquiries from migrant workers there is a clear need
to address this group’s problems. We believe online information, that is
available in the client’s own language, will provide quick and accessible
assistance for those who need it most.”
As a growing part of Northern Irish society migrant workers can be
particularly vulnerable to housing problems due to the language barrier and
varying legal and employment statuses. Migrant workers are often affected by
poor housing conditions as well as exploitative and discriminatory
practices.
Brian Rowntree, Chairman of the Housing Executive said: “The Housing
Executive has a close working relationship with Housing Rights on a day to day
basis through individual case work and co-operation on the development of
housing advice material. The Housing Rights website which is funded by the
Housing Executive provides essential independent information and advice on
housing and homelessness issues. The addition of material for migrant workers is
a welcome addition. I would like to take this opportunity to commend Housing
Rights on the excellent service they provide to the whole community.”
Multi lingual promotional materials will be distributed to agencies and
community organisations dealing with migrant workers to increase awareness of
the new resource.
