The whole concept of social housing is now coming to the fore as it is really the only form of public housing provided for people who have specific needs.

The eligibility covers a wide area and those applying will be awarded points which will help them secure one of the homes available. It could be that a family who are already in rented accommodation need a bigger house, some elderly residents might need low level accommodation which has easier access and is close to amenities or some people have to move because of intimidation.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is the organisation which helps with assessments but they also work closely with the health trusts who recommend people with specific needs and who might need re-integration into society following a period of care, for example.

This week it was revealed that a new 13-bed high support accommodation facility is to be provided in the Rossorry area of Enniskillen specifically for young people aged 16-25 years who are homeless or are care leavers. It is to be managed by Action for Children.

It seems the Western Health and Social Care Trust is delighted to have identified a property - a building erected in the boom property years that is currently believed to be lying vacant - as they are not too easy to acquire. It’s great to see that these properties, some half built and left abandoned, are finally being used and of course it will improve neighbourhoods if these buildings are not left derelict much longer.

Homelessness is a big issue in the Fermanagh area in general and in Enniskillen in particular.

The make up of society is much different now than in our grandparents’ time for example. Then there were mostly stable family units but now some young people have been forced to leave the family home earlier as a result of many pressures. This means they experience temporary homelessness or may be taking refuge in a friend’s home and very often they feel alone and unsupported.

These specialised units will take in young people who are currently placed in bed and breakfast establishments or in private rented accommodation.

Experts say this independent living will give these young people a better future.