Fr McVerry wants more restorative centres to tackle homelessness

A leading homelessness campaigner says the greater use of restorative measures could help prevent people living on the streets.

Fr Peter McVerry is calling for a network of Restorative Practice Centres across the country, to offer training and support in communities and families where there are signs of difficulties.

Chairperson of the Restorative Practices Strategic Forum, Marian Quinn says these methods could keep people off the streets by helping to resolve problems that often lead to homelessness.

She said: "I suppose what Peter McVerry, who is launching a report later today, feels is that restorative approaches could be a central element to homelessness, because the circumstances that lead to people being homeless are often fundamentally about a breakdown in relationships."