Warning over homelessness in Capital of Culture

Cork has thrived during its reign as the European Capital of Culture but many people are being excluded from the growing prosperity, it was warned today.

The southern city’s Simon Community said that while thousands of people jet in for the events and celebrations many people are living in poor quality accommodation and others are sleeping on the streets.

Colette Kelleher, the director of Cork’s Simon Community, said the Government must take notice as new research has shown homeless people have clear views on what could be done to make the city a caring one.

Ms Kelleher said: “At Cork Simon, we believe that it takes a whole city to combat homelessness. Having a home is much more than having a roof over your head.

“People become homeless for all sorts of reasons and a variety of approaches are needed to help them get back on their feet.”

The Cork Simon Community has 103 beds for homeless people – 44 in emergency shelters. It estimates that the number of rough sleepers in Cork can vary from six to 15 each night.

Ms Kelleher said homeless people will be putting across their situation and needs at the two day conference – from today (May 24) to 25th – which will bring together a variety of people from the community.

She said people would be looking at the problems homeless people face and attempting to provide practical answers to eliminating it.

Ms Kelleher said: “Many people we work with at Cork Simon live on the edge of society. They do not take part in the everyday activities that we take for granted, like going to the theatre, meeting friends for lunch and playing sports. It will take us all to make sure that homeless people are properly included in our society.”

The independent study, which was carried out among homeless people in the Cork region, highlighted several key issues including access to housing, health and addiction treatments and the establishment of more job opportunities.

The survey, which was carried out by Owen O’Reilly of Franklin Research, found many homeless people felt that some landlords treated them badly and action should be taken to stop them barring people using the Government rent allowance.

Mr O’Reilly said: “The survey was carried out among 31 people including focus groups and in-depth interviews. My job was to give a voice to people that are homeless so at that their views would get known.”

Many of the people who took part in the survey were troubled with addictions and called for more counsellors and access to detox facilities.

Others highlighted the importance of work in rebuilding their lives.

Some stated there was stigma attached to giving their address as Cork Simon Community, claiming it prevented them from being considered for work.

The majority of those interviewed were without a job and of those that were employed, most were working for the Simon Community.

Mr O’Reilly said the researchers found that one of the hardest things for homeless people to face was isolation – many were without jobs, away from friends and family. Those surveyed called for more social facilities and opportunities for those living on the streets.