Almost 200 people slept outside at the Stormont Estate on Friday night as part of Simon Community’s annual One Big Sleep Out event to raise vital funds for the charity.
Founded in 1971, Simon Community was set up to provide a soup run for rough sleepers across Belfast city centre.
The One Big Sleep Out event — which is now in its 6th year — was set up to challenge stigmas around homelessness.
A number of Belfast Telegraph staff were among those taking part in the charitable effort.
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Speaking at the event, Eoin Brannigan, Editor-in-Chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: “Homelessness is a problem which has mushroomed over the last few years, with one in 33 people in Northern Ireland now homeless.
“It’s a shocking figure that requires urgent action. We at Mediahuis are happy to lend our support to the Simon Community who do so much to help those who need a home and indeed challenge the stereotypes around homelessness.”
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Simon Community chief Jim Dennison added: “The Simon Community has been on the frontline in tackling homelessness in Northern Ireland for over 50 years, but the demand for our services is escalating every single week.
“By working together, we can continue to reach families and individuals who need our help and break the cycle of homelessness for good.”