We believe Covid-19 can be a turning point in the fight against homelessness

Focus Ireland chief urges renewed commitment

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: CRISIS

affordable homes. No Irish political leader has yet set out such a vision.

It would mean a lot if the incoming Taoiseach and the new Housing Minister got there first.

A welcome early move for all parties would be to work closely with Focus Ireland, local authorities and all interested parties nationwide to build on the amazing work that has been achieved during this public health emergency to keep people safe and also seriously cut the number of people who are homeless.

This could be a foundation to build towards ending this terrible homeless crisis for once and for all.

Focus Ireland has recently written to the leaders of all parties, including the three parties who will now form the new Government, to call for the urgent development of a clear Roadmap for Housing & Homelessness as the country emerges from

Covid-19. During the coronavirus emergency, our staff have continued to provide vital services to support thousands of people who are homeless right across the country.

Since the lockdown began, we have been trying to ensure families are protected from the virus and from the stresses caused by the lockdown and we have been helping them find a new home.

Focus Ireland and our partners who include local authorities, Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and the HSE, should be proud and have shown the effectiveness of collaboration. e are at a crucial juncture which will decide how the homelessness crisis goes not only for the rest of the year but for many years to come.

And when we sit down together, can we reflect that a genuine partnership

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