Surge of 40% in number of over-65s who are homeless

THE number of elderly people who are now homeless has increased a shocking 40% in the past two years, according to Focus Ireland.

The latest homelessness figures show that almost 10,000 people are homeless across the State.

But the surge in the number of pensioners who are without accommodation has prompted Focus Ireland to launch a new campaign calling for the Government to take ‘urgent action’ to ensure no person over 65 is in need of a home.

The charity announced the new campaign yesterday and urged people to sign an online petition to help elderly at risk of homelessness.

Focus Ireland said it is ‘shameful that there are elderly people in this age group who are homeless and that they can also often face additional problems including poor health, isolation and shame at their position’.

Of the almost 10,000 people who are homeless across Ireland, 3,755 are children, according to the monthly homelessness report from the Department of Housing. It said for the week of February 20-26 there were 9,807 people homeless, including 3,755 children in 1,739 families.

Of the total, 119 people over the age of 65 were documented as being in emergency accommodation.

Focus Ireland director of advocacy Mike Allen said that it’s shameful for the Government and society to see a 40% rise in the number of people over 65 who are homeless.

He said: ‘It is totally wrong and unacceptable to see older people, many of whom have worked all their lives and now find themselves without a home at that particularly vulnerable age when they need a sense of security in their own home so that we can enjoy their golden years.’

Focus Ireland has stated it will be requesting each regional authority to establish an ‘Older Persons Homeless Action Team’ involving councils, the HSE and relevant NGOs, to prepare dedicated support plans for every older homeless person.