Residents in Belfast's Glen Road area held a protest outside a proposed site for a 26-bed homeless hostel operated by the Simon Community. The demonstration took place at 7pm following an open night hosted by the charity, which nearby Coolnasilla residents described as inadequate for addressing safeguarding and planning questions.

The Glen Road Residents' Group, comprising 15 local residents, collected over 340 signatures opposing the hostel's location adjacent to six schools, elderly and disabled care facilities, and family housing estates. The site is a renovated former priests' residence next to All Saints College, intended for temporary accommodation during redevelopment of the Simon Community's Malone Road premises.

Relocation plans have been paused due to resident objections. Concerns raised include insufficient parking, lack of transparent change-of-use planning processes, inadequate prior consultation, absence of a firm move-in date, and no guaranteed return to Malone Road after renovations.

Residents expressed support for homelessness services but highlighted safety risks from the site's proximity to vulnerable groups and schoolchildren. They referenced the charity's annual reports, which mention drug, alcohol addiction, and psychological trauma among residents.

Simon Community Chief Executive Jim Dennison stated the hostel would have 24/7 trained staff on site, with alcohol and illegal drugs prohibited, to provide secure temporary housing for young people.