Surge in homeless families causing unprecedented pressures, charity

A homeless charity in Cork City has recorded a sharp increase in family homelessness over the past year, leading to pressure on beds and higher numbers being turned away.

Figures from the Good Shepherd Services (GSS) show that, like Dublin, the problem of homelessness in our second biggest city is also spiralling.

Chief executive Tony O’Riordan said the significant increase in family homelessness was largely down to women being unable to pay rent, which was putting “an unprecedented strain on our service”. Traditionally, homelessness was fuelled by poverty, unemployment, addiction, and family breakdown, he said.