Despair as homeless figures rise further
Charities’ dismay at new high
CHARITIES have criticised “the shockingly normal” increase in homelessness as another record number was reached in Ireland.
There were 13,531 people – 9,504 adults and 4,027 children – in emergency accommodation by the end of last month, according to official figures.
The number of kids is lower than in the last tranche of homeless figures for December, when a record number of 4,105 kids were recorded.
This was the first time since the Department of
Housing began publishing the figures the total topped 4,000.
There were also 1,940 families in emergency accommodation, of which 56% were one-parent families and 197 pensioners.
The Simon Communities of Ireland said the figures showed a 15% increase in emergency accommodation in the 12 months since January.
There was a 21% increase in the number of families and 17% more children in a year.
Catherine Kenny, chief executive of Dublin Simon, said after a slightly expected seasonal decrease in homelessness over the Christmas period, Ireland
had returned “to what SOLUTION Wayne Stanley is shockingly considered to be ‘normal’ in our society today another upward turn in figures”.
Simon Communities spokesman Wayne Stanley said: “It’s disheartening to see we still have not got ahead of this crisis.
“We have known for years the solution is to increase the supply of social housing.
“We simply have not been building enough social housing and the situation is made worse by the decline in supply and affordability in the private rental market.
“We need Government to do more to provide support and protection to these individuals and families and prevent homelessness before it starts.”
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the latest figures are a serious setback after the welcome fall in family homelessness before Christmas.
He added the 4,027 homeless children was “heartbreaking” and “an appalling situation”.
Mr Dennigan added: “Homelessness causes great suffering for all those affected, with children bearing the brunt.
“As a society, we must move beyond mere expressions of disappointment at the persistently record-breaking homelessness figures each month.
“It is time to take meaningful actions that will cause change.”
We have not been building enough social housing
WAYNE STANLEY SIMON COMMUNITIES SPOKESMAN