Latest news with #FocusIreland
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Emergency accommodation figures hit ‘shocking' all-time high
The data shows that 10,805 adults and 4,775 children were accessing emergency accommodation during the last full week of April. In general, the number of people accessing emergency accommodation has been steadily increasing from approximately 8,000 in mid-2021. The statistics do not include people sleeping rough, couch-surfing or homeless in hospitals or prisons, or those who are in shelter for asylum seekers or domestic violence centres. Mike Allen, director of advocacy at Focus Ireland, said the figures show the 'Government's current approach to homelessness is failing'. He said: 'With the introduction of the new Housing Plan, the incoming minister has a vital opportunity to reset the policy. We have outlined our evidence-based recommendations in a detailed submission to support this change. 'It is totally unacceptable that there's a record number of 4,775 children homeless as we approach summer. 'This should be a carefree time for children as they look forward to school holidays and the longer evenings. 'Instead of this, the harsh reality for many children who are homeless is that they are studying for exams while living in family hubs or hotels without anywhere suitable to even do their homework.' The Simon Communities of Ireland urged the Government to 'act decisively' on homelessness. Ber Grogan, executive director of the organisation, said: 'This is the highest level of homelessness Ireland has ever seen, and it's unacceptable. 'Behind every number is a person – a family, a child, a life in crisis. We are pleading with Government leaders and local authorities to act decisively before this emergency becomes completely irreversible.' The organisation said there should be 'real investment' in prevention. 'On top of the rising numbers, we're now facing unacceptable constraints on our ability to respond. 'In certain areas, there is no funding for second-hand housing acquisitions under tenant in situ (TIS) or the Homeless Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). 'We are deeply concerned that these decisions will result in reduced supply and increased vulnerability for those already most at risk.' The Dublin rough sleeper count for spring, carried out over the week of March 31 to April 6, was published earlier this month and showed a decrease in rough sleeping since winter and spring 2024. The number of individuals engaged with by outreach teams during the week was 121, a decrease of 13 (9.7%) on winter 2024 when 134 were found to be rough sleeping during November 4-10 week. It represents a decrease of seven (5.5%) on the spring 2024 count carried out in the week of April 8-14. Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin TD said the Government must 'urgently fund vital homeless services and reverse recent funding cuts'. 'The latest increase is shocking but not surprising. It is a stain on this Government and our society. 'We cannot allow ourselves to accept this as normal. We must continue to be outraged by the fact that so many children are forced into emergency accommodation due to Government decisions. 'It is clear that we need urgent emergency action to tackle this crisis. Government must immediately reverse the funding cuts to vital homeless supports such as Housing First and the tenant-in-situ scheme. 'It is time to get feet on the street and put as much pressure on Government to take emergency action now to tackle the housing and homeless crises.'
The Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Record 15,580 people in emergency accommodation last month, including 4,775 children
THE NUMBER OF people in Ireland living in emergency accommodation stood at 15,580 in April. The figure includes 4,775 children – 100 more than last month. This doesn't account for those rough sleeping, refugees, asylum seekers, individuals in domestic violence shelters, or those experiencing 'hidden homelessness', such as sleeping in cars, on couches, or other unsuitable living conditions. The figures are taken from the week of 21 April. Of the adults accessing emergency accommodation, 7,652 were in Co Dublin. Some 650 adults were in Cork, 496 were in Limerick, and 249 were in Galway. There were 3,559 children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin. There were 230 in the West (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon), and 219 in the Mid-East (Kildare, Meath and Wicklow). Advertisement 'Possible to end homelessness' Mike Allen, Director of Advocacy at Focus Ireland, said the number of children homeless is 'unacceptable'. 'This should be a carefree time for children as they look forward to school holidays and the longer evenings. 'Instead of this, the harsh reality for many children who are homeless is that they are studying for exams while living in family hubs or hotels without anywhere suitable to even do their homework.' He said the government's new housing plan, which is due to be published in July, must deliver a 'radical policy shift' to meet the growing needs across society. 'It is possible to end homelessness, and we must all learn the lessons from what is working and has worked in the past and so more of the same.' Rory Hearne TD, housing spokesperson for the Social Democrats, says the homelessness figures are a 'shameful milestone' and a direct result of government policy. 'Failing to take an interventionist approach in coordinating a national emergency response to homelessness across all local authorities, destroying the Tenant in Situ Scheme, and threatening to end rent caps have collectively pushed more and more people into homelessness,' he said. Hearne called them 'intolerable and excusable' failures. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Homeless figures hit ‘shocking' all-time high of more than 15,500
The number of people in emergency homeless accommodation across Ireland has increased to a record of 15,580, according to the latest Government figures. The data shows that 10,805 adults and 4,775 children were accessing emergency accommodation during the last full week of April. Advertisement In general, the number of people accessing emergency accommodation has been steadily increasing from approximately 8,000 in mid-2021. The statistics do not include people sleeping rough, couch-surfing or homeless in hospitals or prisons, or those who are in shelter for asylum seekers or domestic violence centres. Mike Allen, director of advocacy at Focus Ireland, said the figures show the 'Government's current approach to homelessness is failing'. He said: 'With the introduction of the new Housing Plan, the incoming minister has a vital opportunity to reset the policy. We have outlined our evidence-based recommendations in a detailed submission to support this change. Advertisement 'It is totally unacceptable that there's a record number of 4,775 children homeless as we approach summer. 'This should be a carefree time for children as they look forward to school holidays and the longer evenings. 'Instead of this, the harsh reality for many children who are homeless is that they are studying for exams while living in family hubs or hotels without anywhere suitable to even do their homework.' The Simon Communities of Ireland urged the Government to 'act decisively' on homelessness. Advertisement Ber Grogan, executive director of the organisation, said: 'This is the highest level of homelessness Ireland has ever seen, and it's unacceptable. 'Behind every number is a person – a family, a child, a life in crisis. We are pleading with Government leaders and local authorities to act decisively before this emergency becomes completely irreversible.' The organisation said there should be 'real investment' in prevention. 'On top of the rising numbers, we're now facing unacceptable constraints on our ability to respond. Advertisement 'In certain areas, there is no funding for second-hand housing acquisitions under tenant in situ (TIS) or the Homeless Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). 'We are deeply concerned that these decisions will result in reduced supply and increased vulnerability for those already most at risk.' The Dublin rough sleeper count for spring, carried out over the week of March 31st to April 6th, was published earlier this month and showed a decrease in rough sleeping since winter and spring 2024. The number of individuals engaged with by outreach teams during the week was 121, a decrease of 13 (9.7 per cent) on winter 2024 when 134 were found to be rough sleeping during November 4th-10th week. Advertisement It represents a decrease of seven (5.5 per cent) on the spring 2024 count carried out in the week of April 8th-14th. Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin TD said the Government must 'urgently fund vital homeless services and reverse recent funding cuts'. 'The latest increase is shocking but not surprising. It is a stain on this Government and our society. Ireland Majority of spending on homelessness directed towa... Read More 'We cannot allow ourselves to accept this as normal. We must continue to be outraged by the fact that so many children are forced into emergency accommodation due to Government decisions. 'It is clear that we need urgent emergency action to tackle this crisis. Government must immediately reverse the funding cuts to vital homeless supports such as Housing First and the tenant-in-situ scheme. 'It is time to get feet on the street and put as much pressure on Government to take emergency action now to tackle the housing and homeless crises.'
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Number of homeless reached a new record of 15,580 last month
The data shows that 10,805 adults and 4,775 children were accessing emergency accommodation during the last full week of April. In general, the number of people accessing emergency accommodation has been steadily increasing from approximately 8,000 in mid-2021. The statistics do not include people sleeping rough, couch-surfing or homeless in hospitals or prisons, or those who are in shelter for asylum seekers or domestic violence centres. Mike Allen, director of advocacy at Focus Ireland, said the figures show the 'Government's current approach to homelessness is failing'. He said: 'With the introduction of the new Housing Plan, the incoming minister has a vital opportunity to reset the policy. We have outlined our evidence-based recommendations in a detailed submission to support this change. 'It is totally unacceptable that there's a record number of 4,775 children homeless as we approach summer. 'This should be a carefree time for children as they look forward to school holidays and the longer evenings. 'Instead of this, the harsh reality for many children who are homeless is that they are studying for exams while living in family hubs or hotels without anywhere suitable to even do their homework.' The Simon Communities of Ireland urged the Government to 'act decisively' on homelessness. Ber Grogan, executive director of the organisation, said: 'This is the highest level of homelessness Ireland has ever seen, and it's unacceptable. 'Behind every number is a person – a family, a child, a life in crisis. We are pleading with Government leaders and local authorities to act decisively before this emergency becomes completely irreversible.' The organisation said there should be 'real investment' in prevention. 'On top of the rising numbers, we're now facing unacceptable constraints on our ability to respond. 'In certain areas, there is no funding for second-hand housing acquisitions under tenant in situ (TIS) or the Homeless Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). 'We are deeply concerned that these decisions will result in reduced supply and increased vulnerability for those already most at risk.' The Dublin rough sleeper count for spring, carried out over the week of March 31 to April 6, was published earlier this month and showed a decrease in rough sleeping since winter and spring 2024. The number of individuals engaged with by outreach teams during the week was 121, a decrease of 13 (9.7pc) on winter 2024 when 134 were found to be rough sleeping during November 4-10 week. It represents a decrease of seven (5.5pc) on the spring 2024 count carried out in the week of April 8-14. Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin TD said the Government must 'urgently fund vital homeless services and reverse recent funding cuts'. 'The latest increase is shocking but not surprising. It is a stain on this Government and our society. 'We cannot allow ourselves to accept this as normal. We must continue to be outraged by the fact that so many children are forced into emergency accommodation due to Government decisions. 'It is clear that we need urgent emergency action to tackle this crisis. Government must immediately reverse the funding cuts to vital homeless supports such as Housing First and the tenant-in-situ scheme. 'It is time to get feet on the street and put as much pressure on Government to take emergency action now to tackle the housing and homeless crises.'
Irish Times
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Homelessness reaches another record high, with 15,500 in emergency accommodation
The number of homeless people has climbed to more than 15,500 – another record high – including 4,775 children, the latest data shows. Figures published on Friday by the Department of Housing reveal 15,580 people were living in emergency accommodation during the week of April 21st to 27th. This represents an 11 per cent increase on figures from April last year, when there were 14,010 destitute people. The numbers do not include people sleeping rough, sofa-surfing, in domestic violence refuges or who have been granted international protection but remain stuck in direct provision because they cannot access housing. They show there were 7,031 single adults in emergency accommodation last month, up 9 per cent in a year. In Dublin there were 11,211 people in homelessness accommodation, including 3,559 children and 4,892 single adults. READ MORE Mike Allen, director of advocacy with Focus Ireland said the new record shows the Government's 'current approach to homelessness is failing'. He said it is 'totally unacceptable' that there is a record number of 4,775 children homeless as we approach summer. 'This should be a carefree time for children as they look forward to school holidays and the longer evenings. Instead of this, the harsh reality for many children who are homeless is that they are studying for exams while living in family hubs or hotels without anywhere suitable to even do their homework,' he said. The Salvation Army said its family hubs are now 'conveyor belts' of desperate families seeking accommodation. Though families using its services in Dublin have made the move to independent living in recent months, 'immediately, other families are waiting to replace them,' said Erene Williamson, the charity's lead.
