Simon calls for major shift in homeless policy

THE needs of homeless people would be better served by a dramatic shift in housing policies adopted by the Government, local authorities and housing organisations, according to a major report.

A study commissioned by the Simon Communities of Ireland strongly recommends a move away from the existing focus on supplying emergency accommodation towards the provision of long-term housing and support services for the estimated 5,550 homeless people in Ireland.

The report, Settlement First, claims such a change in policy would also provide major savings.