The recent rise in numbers of individuals seeking emergency housing has reached an unprecedented high in Britain, with figures revealing a tally of 13,866, which includes over 4,000 children. As per the data released by the Housing Department this past Friday, last month saw a total of 9,719 adults and 4,147 children seeking accommodation due to homelessness.
The figures have risen by 25 people since February, wherein the total homeless count stood at 13,841. The contrast is starker when compared to December 2023, which recorded a number of 13,318, making an overall increase of 548 since then. This time in the previous year, there were 11,988 homeless individuals, inclusive of 3,472 children. This indicates a rise of 1,878 homeless individuals over a year.
particular tragic incident involved Greta Price-Martin, a cyclist who was killed in a crash in Dún Laoghaire. She is remembered fondly by family and friends.
Dublin’s homelessness count last month includes a total of 10,180 individuals, encompassing 3,181 children. These figures have risen from last year’s count of 8,775 individuals, including 2,638 children. This data does not comprise individuals sleeping on streets or homeless individuals seeking asylum.
Interestingly, data from the recent month reveals that over half (55%) of the homeless population were born in Ireland. The remaining 45% were from either the EU or the UK (23%), or other foreign countries (22%).
The age range of people living in emergency accommodation last month presents a concerning image: while 204 were over 65, about 53% (roughly 5,146) were aged between 25 and 44. Additionally, 2,709 were aged between 45 and 64 and 1,660 were aged between 18 and 24. There is a more pronounced lean towards homeless males with 62%, while females account for the remaining 38%.
Current figures for homeless single adults stand at 6,409, with 4,487 of them in Dublin. The Dublin-based homeless charity known as Dublin Simon mentioned the alarming trend in the capital; homeless figures are at an all-time high, growing by 80 since February. It makes about 111 offers of emergency accommodation each night while enabling only four households per day to overcome homelessness.
Behind these distressing statistics, there are stories of struggle and heartbreak, expressed by Chief Executive Catherine Kenny.
The rising number of adults and children finding themselves needing urgent shelter every day and night is not sustainable. Lengthy periods within emergency lodging can lead to despair, causing severe damage to both mental and physical well-being.
She said that the damages this causes to children are inestimable, robbing them of their sense of safety and balance during their crucial developmental stages.
Ms Kenny argued that the statistics are not solely due to systemic failures, but also reflect a “dearth of empathy.” She said each homeless person in Dublin is a tragic reflection of society’s shortcomings to safeguard its most defenceless members. She insisted they deserve more than transient remedies and hollow pledges; they are entitled to have homes.
Ms Kenny urged for a “genuine pledge” from Taoiseach Simon Harris, emphasising the importance to significantly reduce or eliminate homelessness in the upcoming year. She passionately appealed to the Cabinet to address the homelessness crisis as a priority and to agree upon implementing exhaustive strategies and efficient policies to ensure that every person and family has access to secure and stable accommodation.