Homeless service helps 10 new people a day as demand soars

As many as 10 new people presented to Dublin Simon’s homeless services every day last year — and the trend has continued into 2012.

Figures published by the organisation yesterday in its 2011 annual report show an increasing demand for its services last year, with fears that many new clients face becoming “institutionalised” as homeless.

A total of 2,663 people accessed Dublin Simon’s support last year, up significantly on figures for the previous two years. There were 791 using its emerge-ncy accommodation service while Dublin Simon’s rough sleeper team dealt with more than 400 people — an increase of 10%.