The upcoming Statement of Strategy is an opportunity for the Department of Social Protection to reflect its position as one of the key agents in tackling the crisis of homelessness. The housing and homelessness crisis reached unprecedented levels in 2022. While housing availability and affordability is at the heart of the issue, so too is the necessary supports and provisions of the Department of Social Protection.
The Covid-19 crisis has demonstrated what an all-of-government crisis response can achieve. The lessons from the pandemic need to be applied to the homelessness crisis with the same focus, ambition and determination. To move toward ending homelessness, an all-of-government, interagency approach is required.
After providing an overview of homelessness, this submission outlines key priorities which the Department of Social Protection should consider including in its Statement of Strategy in order to meet the stated aim of the Programme for Government to tackle homelessness.
