Our history 1964 to 2024
Image by Adele Pound
60 years of Housing Rights
Housing Rights was established in 1964, against the backdrop of extremely poor housing standards, turbulent political and social times, and when homeownership was out of reach for most.
Our story began with a small but passionate group of people who came together to help the most vulnerable. Driven by a deep sense of social justice, they set out to make a difference, believing that everyone deserved a safe and secure place to call home.
“If we were to describe the aims of the society in a few words, we would say it exists to help people with housing problems.” 1969 Annual Report
From humble beginnings to trusted advocate
Housing Rights first appeared as Catholic Housing Aid and later Belfast Housing Aid Society. In the beginning, we were volunteer-led and based solely in Belfast. Our early focus was helping people raise a deposit to buy their own homes.
But as the decade progressed, the political situation in Northern Ireland deteriorated. This created an urgent need for housing support. Recognising this, we started to provide vital support and advice to people who had been displaced and intimidated from their homes due to civil disturbances. Belfast Housing Aid Society soon became the trusted organisation for distributing government and voluntary aid to those made homeless due to civil disorder.
Our reputation for delivering expert advice and support strengthened over time. As did our resolve to ensure that everyone could access the housing they needed to live with dignity.
60 years of growth and continued commitment
Over the last 60 years, we’ve grown to become the leading specialist provider of advice and information on housing and homelessness in Northern Ireland. Our journey has been driven by the belief that housing is a fundamental human right.
We have come a long way since 1964. But, whilst the landscape has changed, the challenges remain. Northern Ireland still faces significant housing issues, and many people still struggle to find and keep a home.
As we continue to build on our legacy, the sentiment of our founders is still reflected in our vision of a time, ‘when everyone has a home’
Celebrating 60 years of Housing Rights
Own a unique piece of housing history
To help celebrate 60 years of Housing Rights, we have captured our history and the history of housing in Northern Ireland in our special anniversary book. By ordering a limited-edition hardback version of the book, you’ll help us honour our past and strengthen our future.
Recommended donation to order the book is £20 per book which includes postage.
60th anniversary event and visit from United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing
As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, Housing Rights was honoured to host a two-day visit from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, Mr Balakrishnan Rajagopal.
This was the Special Rapporteur’s first visit to Northern Ireland and while he was here, he took part in a series of events and meetings with experts by experience, partner NGOs, key decision makers, including government officials, members of the judiciary and elected representatives and independent human rights institutions. This historic visit culminated in our special anniversary event on 14th May 2024 in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, where he delivered the keynote address.