West Belfast - Iris Close 1994-1997

Our first project of 11 houses in Iris Close (Catholic West Belfast) was completed in December of 1997.
Prior to the involvement of HFH NI, Iris Close was desolate, with several houses lying derelict. Construction began in 1994 and local and international volunteers built all of the houses.

Through our work the whole area has been regenerated. Existing residents are taking pride in their homes, people are choosing to move into the area and HFH NI families are taking a lead in new community initiatives.

West Belfast - Glencairn 1998-2001

The Glencairn Project (Protestant West Belfast) was launched by a two-week building challenge in May 1998 called "Blitz Build 98"- building 4 houses in two weeks.

The 16-house development is situated just across the peaceline from Iris Close. Residents of Iris Close joined their Protestant neighbours during the "Blitz Build" and continued to do so as the project progressed.

This project represented the first private housing development in the Glencairn estate for 30 years and has provided a significant contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the area.

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Downpatrick - June 2002

Downpatrick, the first project outside of Belfast, is one of the key settlements in Co. Down, with a population of over 63,000. The Model Farm Estate, situated on the outskirts of the town, was built in the 1970s mainly to re-house Catholics displaced as a result of the violence in Belfast. The estate is characteristic of a community trying to find its feet after years of conflict. Government statistics demonstrate a severe housing need in the Downpatrick area, with over 1,000 people on the waiting list.

The Local Project Management Committee secured a site for 14 homes.  House building started in September 2002 with a number of families already in their new homes. The project is due to be completed over the next three years.

North Belfast - Ballysillan and Ligoniel - June 2002

Ballysillan and Ligoniel are typical of communities in North Belfast fractured along sectarian lines. Both share high measures of deprivation, a significant indicator of the depth of division is that they have suffered the highest level of conflict-related violence in the region since 1969.

By building in Ligoniel and Ballysillan simultaneously volunteers and families may cross over and work on both projects at the same time. This is the first step in developing relationships of trust and mutual respect. Building communities without fear.  

House building began in Ballysillan September 2002,the first house was dedicated in June 2003 and a total of 8 homes will built.

North Belfast-Ligoniel-September 2003

The Ligoniel project was launched on the 15^th September 2003 with the “Big Build” challenge to build four homes in four weeks.  The participation of over 400 local and international volunteers enabled the first four homes to be dedicated on the 11^th October 2003.  Four more homes will be constructed.

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