A HOMELESS charity in Haringey that helps single people find a place to live has been awarded £50,000.

The grant will help Causeway Irish Housing Association, based at the Irish Cultural and Community Centre, in Pretoria Road, find accommodation for the "non-priority" group which is overlooked by the council in favour of families.

Its Step Up Project focuses on people aged 18 to 40, who have found themselves with nowhere to go following a family or relationship breakdown, or who are moving on from homeless hostels, and refugees leaving asylum centres.

Homeless charity Crisis has distributed £2million for 49 projects across the country, following funding from the department of communities and local government.

Crisis chief executive Leslie Morphy said: "Single homeless people rarely meet the criteria to acquire council accommodation and finding a flat in the private rented sector can be a complex and expensive option. They need advice and help, but in many areas of the country, these specialist services are simply not there."

He added: "These schemes will help people overcome financial barriers, match them to good landlords and help more individuals avoid the perils of homelessness."