NEW British Secretary of State Chris Bryant visited the People's Kitchen charity in North Belfast on Wednesday morning.
Based on the Antrim Road, the charity is a safe haven providing meals, support and sign-posting for those experiencing homelessness in Belfast.
Last week, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said that every rough sleeper in England will be offered accommodation this winter.
Andy Burnham made ending rough sleeping his first pledge when entering Downing Street in July and now says he wants "to get everyone in for Christmas". Emergency accommodation will be provided to end the need for rough sleeping alongside practical support for any health needs, as part of a £442m package.
Paul McCusker, who heads up the People's Kitchen, said he hopes the initiative will be extended to the North.
"We have been highlighting rough sleeping in Belfast recently. Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently pledged to ensure all rough sleepers are inside this winter and we want to try and make sure that happens over here," he said.
Secretary of State Chris Bryant with Paul McCusker from The People's Kitchen
"We will be asking the Secretary of State for funding to ensure that initiative happens in the North.
"It is great to have him here today to meet the People's Kitchen team, the volunteers and some service users.
"Belfast has a serious issue with homelessness that is growing year upon year. We are seeing more younger people as well.
"We want to highlight the issue to the new Secretary of State and ensure it is taken seriously.
"Every person sleeping rough on our streets is one too many. We have also sadly lost people who have died on the streets and that is shameful and totally preventable."
