Focus Ireland extended help to 18,000 individuals grappling with homelessness or its imminent risk last year, marking an increase of 2,000 from the previous year. While the increase is commendable, the charity is just managing to stay afloat. Data from the Department of Housing indicate an increase in adults resorting to emergency accommodation facilitated by local authorities during the week preceding Christmas. This grew from 8,190 to 9,356, essentially aligning with the 12.5% rise in the population assisted by Focus Ireland.
The ongoing situation keeps worsening, with the count of homeless adults exceeding 10,000 for the first time in the past month. When children are included in this calculation, it’s a staggering 14,429 individuals without a permanent place to live. Evidently, the need for fresh strategies has become palpable. Pat Dennigan, the Chief Executive of Focus Ireland, advocates giving priority to homeless people when it comes to new social housing. He lauds a similar approach used in the Covid-19 pandemic, where a section of new social homes was reserved for homeless families, as successful.
Reinforcing a similar sentiment, Focus Ireland proposes that approximately 10-20% of the newly available social homes should go to those without a home. Echoing these thoughts, Dublin Simon, another renowned charity dealing with homelessness, voiced its urgency for an increase in new social house development for the upcoming Budget. Catherine Kenny, the CEO of Dublin Simon, emphasised that providing suitable accommodation is just one part of a multi-faceted solution to homelessness. Complementary support is crucial for ensuring these individuals can sustain their homes once they acquire them.
The Taoiseach ought to fulfil his promise to re-evaluate how local authorities distribute social housing. In the more extensive scheme of things, the long-lasting solution lies in amplifying the supply.