26th May 2023
We Must Stop Reaching New Homeless Records – Simon Communities of Ireland
Budget 2024 is an Opportunity for Government to Take Action
The Simon Communities of Ireland have expressed deep concern at the rising homeless numbers. Figures, recorded in the last week of April, have surpassed 12,000 for the first time since records began.
There are now 12,259 people in emergency homeless accommodation. This is an increase of 2.26% (271) since March (11,988) and a 22% increase (2210 people) since this time last year.
- 1,639 were families – this is 40 (2.5%) more than the previous month (1,599 families)
- 5823 were single adults – this is an increase of 87 (1.52%) on the previous month (5,736 single adults).
- 3,472 were Children/Dependents – this is an increase of 99 (2.94%) on the previous month (3,373 dependents)
- 1,456 were Young People aged 18-24 – this is a decrease of 1 (0.07%) on the previous month (1,457), and up 226 (18.4%) year on year from 1,230 in March 2022.
Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“Sadly we are not surprised to see the number of people in homeless emergency accommodation rise to over 12,000 this month but we have to be shocked that the situation has been allowed to get to this point.
These are the highest figures we’ve ever seen and it represents an unprecedented number of men, women and children experiencing the trauma of homelessness. The almost 6% increase in family and children in homeless emergency accomondation is particularly concerning. While we have to acknowledge important initiatives taken by Government and rolled out by local authorities, such as the tenant in situ scheme, we also have to recognise that this is a policy made crisis.
The recent announcement of projected surpluses show that Budget 2024 will be an opportunity for the Government to reprioritise addressing the homeless and housing crisis through the effective use of available resources. It’s an opportunity that cannot be missed and requires focus, planning and an all of Government response. We will be sending our Pre-Budget Submission to Government that will set out what is needed in Budget 2024 to reduce homelessness. We need to renew ambition in the areas of homeless prevention, the provision of secure, affordable homes and addressing vacancy.”
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 087 7724 717 /communications@simoncommunity.com
Information on homelessness trends can be found here: https://www.simon.ie/statistics-hub-national/
