MACS is Northern Ireland's youth-specific homelessness charity.
MACS offer a range of services and support to young people aged 18-25 who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.
Our vision is an end to youth homelessness in NI.
Our support is focused on early intervention where we can make the most impact on young lives and on the homelessness outlook overall.
The right support at the right time equips and empowers young people to avoid or break free from the cycle of homelessness and the associated risks.
The reasons and factors involved in young people becoming homeless are often complex and often outside of the young person's control. Many have experienced the loss or illness of a parent, relationship breakdown, poverty, abuse or other adverse experiences during childhood.
Once young people experience homelessness their risk of exploitation, drug misuse, exposure to criminality, unemployment, poor educational outcomes, worsening mental health and longer term homelessness increases.
Our services are intensive; typically a young person will avail of up to 2 years of MACS support. Our support is personalised and holistic in nature, we aim to equip and empower each young person to face the individual set of challenges they face. We aim to deliver the type of support that any young person should expect to receive as they transition to adulthood and find a place to call home.
With the right support young people can and do build brighter futures
Together, we can end youth homelessness in NI.
MACS core services include:
We work in the areas of highest deprivation across Greater Belfast, Lisburn, Downpatrick, Newry and the County Down area.
