MORE than 5,000 people at risk of losing their homes had contacted Focus Ireland in the first seven months of this year — equal to the total number for 2009.

THE bursting of the property bubble may benefit some of the poorer members of society, as apartments built in anticipation of the boom years continuing are sold to social housing projects to cover debts.

THE number of people supported by a homeless charity increased by almost 20% last year and there are signs it may have to come to the aid of almost 10,000 people this year.

ONE in 12 people fear they will become homeless as the economic crisis continues.

CAMPAIGNERS have called for a new target date to be set to end long-term homelessness, after the Government failed to deliver on its aim of eradicating the problem by end of 2010.

Drastic cuts will condemn families on the breadline to a life of poverty, hunger and homelessness, charities and campaigners claimed tonight.

Focus Ireland has warned today that the "savage" cuts made in Budget 2011 will force more people to become homeless and will also act to keep many of the 5,000 people who are currently homeless "trapped living in limbo in long-term homelessness".

MORE than 130 people are using a new homeless service in Dublin city centre amid fears of more people sleeping rough.

Workers who were building homes during the construction boom, are now among the country’s new homeless, it was claimed today.

Campaigners today warned of the danger of Budget cuts for social housing as the Government deadline to end homelessness looms.

THE Government is unwilling to allocate sufficient resources to provide long-term housing for the homeless as set out in its own policy, a leading charity for people who are homeless has warned.

Focus Ireland is warning of a deepening housing and homelessness crisis in this country.

FOCUS Ireland welcomes the recent publication of the report of the Children’s Ombudsman into the implementation of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

SOCIAL welfare payments will be cut by 4.1%, affecting everyone under pensionable age and raising fears that thousands of younger jobseekers will now flee the country.

The Government was today called on to end homelessness by investing in housing and support services instead of expensive emergency accommodation, and to maintain social welfares support for the disabled.

Focus Ireland, the housing and homeless charity, has called on the Government to ensure that the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) delivers a 'social dividend'.

Women may get trapped in abusive relationships due to new changes in the supplementary Budget, it was claimed today.

SOCIAL and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin last night outlined plans for savings of e300 million this year and €400m in 2010 with the tightening of certain benefits set to free up funds for the growing number of people on the dole.

A “VERY challenging year” has seen a 13% jump in the amount of people getting help from homeless charity Focus Ireland.

THE Government could potentially save thousands of euro by ensuring vulnerable young people can access aftercare facilities after leaving State care.

A charity aims to raise €400,000 for homeless services by asking firms to sponsor stars on its giant Christmas Tree in Dublin's Grafton Street.

Focus Ireland said today that the Government has failed to live up to its word to protect the most vulnerable in society after today's Budget.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen was today urged to pour €4bn into social housing for thousands of people on waiting lists.

A GOVERNMENT strategy to tackle homelessness was branded a failure as soon as it was unveiled.

An ambitious Government plan to tackle homelessness was today branded meaningless unless the state confirms money to finance it is available.

THE Government was warned yesterday that huge cuts in public spending cannot be detrimental to social housing programmes.

I WISH to respond to your article headlined ‘There’s no choice: it’s a hostel or the street’ (June 30) highlighting the danger of young people becoming homeless on leaving care.