Numbers aided by homeless charity up 20%

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.

Focus Ireland supported 6,500 people last year, compared to 5,500 in 2009, as demand for its services increased as the impact of the recession deepened.

It had already supported 3,700 people up to the end of May and warned that more people are at risk of becoming homeless.