Newly-published figures show an estimated 58 deaths of homeless people in Northern Ireland last year

Statistics relating to the deaths of homeless people in the province have been released for the very first time by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

Data has been compiled over the calendar years between 2020 to 2024 and show that there were an estimated 58 registered deaths of people experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland in 2024, which was the same number as 2023.

This shows a decrease in comparison to the first year for which data is available which was 67 in 2020.

Belfast had the highest number of estimated homeless deaths last year with 20. Deaths are assigned to a local government district based on the address of usual residence or - if no usual residence is recorded - the place of death.

In 2024, 74.1% of homeless deaths were male and 25.9% were female. Just under half (46.6%) of estimated homeless deaths were under the age of 45.

When looking at selected specific causes of deaths of people experiencing homelessness, drug-related causes were the most common, accounting for an estimated 27.6% of all homeless deaths in 2024 and 25.9% in 2023.

NISRA have stated that these new estimates have been derived using “a specific methodology” and a definition of homelessness which "seeks to identify individuals based on the circumstances at the time of their death rather than whether they were statutorily homeless or not.”

Responding to the figures, Kirsten Hewitt, Director of Homelessness Services, Simon Community said: “The NISRA figures released today show 58 deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2024. Behind every number is a life lost and a family left behind.

“We know that there are currently 62,314 people officially homeless in Northern Ireland – equivalent to 1 in every 31 people.

"For 50 years, Simon Community has been working alongside people experiencing homelessness, supporting them to move on with their lives. But the need is growing faster than we can respond, and far too many are left without support. The system is at breaking point.

“And at the heart of this crisis are 4,834 children now growing up in temporary accommodation. This Christmas, hundreds of children are waking up in hostels or hotels instead of a permanent home.

“These new statistics are a clear call for urgent action: we need to do things differently. We need immediate investment in affordable homes, prevention services, and support for those already homeless. Without it, thousands more people will continue to face homelessness and the devastating risks that come with it.”