28th April 2023
Government Must Do More to Have Effective Safety Net and Solutions in Place as Homeless Figures Reach Record High– Simon Communities of Ireland
11,988 people were in emergency homeless accommodation at the end of March – an increase of 2.1% (246) since February (11,742) and a new record high.
The 11,988 men, women and children in homeless emergency accommodation in March 2023 represents a increase of 2.1% (246 people) in one month but a 22% increase (2,163 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). This is a record high number of single adults in homelessness
- 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:
“The latest figures, another record high, are deeply upsetting.
The moratorium on evictions slowed entries into homelessness during the winter months, so we know this shocking number of 11,988 men, women and children in homeless emergency accommodation may have been even higher had the moratorium not been in place.
The Government have clearly made the decision that they are not returning to an eviction ban. That decision means they have, now more than ever, a duty to ensure there are the required safety nets and solutions in place. Effective actions, to begin turning the tide on homelessness, have to be the priority.
We know there is potential in the Tenant In-Situ scheme as a prevention measure and a commitment to see it ramped up. In addition to that, we need to see more homes secured and allocated to those experiencing the trauma of homelessness.
We know that some of this work is taking place and that is welcome, but Government action on homelessness has to be judged on results and these figures are evidence that not enough is being done.”
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/
