Report reveals surge in homelessness

INCREASING levels of domestic violence and family breakdown is leading to a surge in homelessness among families and young men barred from their family homes.

And in many cases, men who have no reported addictions, physical or mental health issues are also becoming homeless – simply because of economic circumstances. The disclosures emerged in an unpublished internal report by the HSE’s homeless person’s unit (HPU). The unit has been the main service provider of frontline supports for the homeless in Dublin city for more than 20 years. However, under the Government’s planned restructuring of services, the unit will essentially be dismantled, with its main functions – placement and assessment of homeless people – transferred to Dublin City Council. In the report, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, HPU staff make it clear they do not believe the plans are in the best interests of vulnerable homeless people. They say it was a “matter of lingering regret and resentment” the HPU was not subject to proper evaluation before the decision was taken to restructure. Furthermore, staff remain unconvinced that research undertaken reflects the practical realities of homelessness.

“Accumulated wisdom of frontline staff is now apparently being cast aside as erroneous,” it states. Correspondence between the council and the HPU also reveals the apparent lack of knowledge the council has regarding homeless services.