26th January 2024
Seasonal Fall in Homelessness Welcome but Not a Sign of Progress – Simon Communities of Ireland
The latest figures released by the Department of Housing shows that the number of men, women and children in homelessness was 13,318 in December.
The Simon Communities of Ireland have said any fall in homelessness is welcome but cautioned that homelessness is poised to increase in the coming months.
The latest figures show a decrease of 196 people in emergency accommodation (1%) since November 2023.
- 1916 were families – a 20% (322) increase in the year
- 3962 were children– a 15% (520) increase in the year.
Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“Sadly, today’s figures cannot be seen as a corner turned on homelessness. It is not unusual to see a fall in homeless numbers in December. Lower numbers in December are a result of those in homelessness being offered respite by relatives or friends from the trauma, over the Christmas period. As those supports are not sustainable, we quickly see a return to increasing numbers of people in homelessness.
However, we do note that the quarterly report from the Department shows 1,162 households were prevented from entering homelessness in the final quarter of the year. Many of these will have been supported by the tenant in situ scheme. That is evidence again, even in the difficult housing situation that so many are currently living through, solutions can be found.
For those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, we will be calling on government to build on the successes of the tenant in situ scheme and continue to innovate to protect individuals and families from the trauma of homelessness. In particular, we are again calling on government to implement the Simon Homeless Prevention Bill.”
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 087 7724 717 / communications@simoncommunity.com
