29th September 2023
Confidence in the homeless figures is key but we cannot be distracted from the increase in homelessness once again
The latest figures show 12,691 men, women and children in emergency homeless accommodation, when the discrepancy discovered by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) is accounted for . this is an increase of 152 people in emergency accommodation (1%) since July.
• 1886 were families an increase of 47 (3%)
• 3895 were children an increase of 66 (2%)
As the Government prepares to unveil Budget 2024, the Simon Communities of Ireland eagerly anticipates their plans to prioritise housing and homelessness. With more people than ever before living in homelessness, the Simon Communities of Ireland want to see tangible commitments and an allocation of adequate resources to address this national crisis.
Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“We need to have confidence in the homelessness figures so it is positive that the DRHE have quickly moved to resolve the administrative issues they have identified.
The notification of the issue in the counting of homeless figures cannot distract us from the fact that homelessness increased by 152 people last month. This means that the numbers of people experiencing the trauma of homelessness continues to grow and the level of homelessness in Ireland remains unprecedented and unacceptable. We have to remember, that behind these numbers are men, women and children.
The focus now must be on budget 2024 that will be announced on the 10th of October. That is the next landmark moment that will tell us how the Government plans to prioritise housing and homelessness.
If the State is to meet its commitment to address homelessness by 2030, now is the time to make a real difference to the lives of those experiencing or facing homelessness.
The budget must deliver a significant investment in homelessness prevention, increases funding to ensures that support services are maintained and enhanced and that the State quickly moves to ensure delivery of a minimum of 15,000 social homes each year.”
ENDS
For further information contact Robyn Keleghan 085 800 1275 / communications@simoncommunity.com
