28th June 2024
Simon Communities of Ireland warn against fatalism & say the next six months presents an opportunity to address homelessness
The latest figures released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show that the number of men, women and children in homelessness was 14,159 in May. This is an increase of 150 on the previous month.
These figures show an increase of 1,718 people (14%) in emergency accommodation in the 12 months since May 2023.
- 2,051 were families – a 16% (281) increase in the year
- 4,316 were children – a 17% (617) increase in the year.
Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“The next six months is an important window of opportunity in the fight against homelessness.
14,159 people, over 4,000 of them children, in homelessness, is correctly called a crisis. But this fact should not feed a sense of fatalism. Making progress on homelessness, even getting to the point where homelessness is short-term and quickly solvable, is possible.
Budget 2025 and the next programme for Government will set the framework for success or failure.
A framework for success requires a commitment to preventing homelessness, supporting those in homelessness to deal with the trauma of that experience, and providing the affordable homes that are the route out of homelessness.
Budget 2025 needs to see greater investment in social housing, investment in health support for those in homelessness, and support to local authorities to invest in prevention services.”
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 087 7724 717 / communications@simoncommunity.com
