Government boost for homeless agencies

The Government today confirmed it was allocating €36.7m to more than 30 organisations that provide homeless services in the Dublin area.

Housing and Urban Renewal Minister Noel Ahern said the funding was part of a €50m package for the state’s local authority areas in 2006.

The allocation brings to €280m the amount provided countrywide by Mr Ahern’s department for accommodation and related services since the introduction of the Government’s Integrated Homeless Strategy in 2000.

Focus Ireland received the largest amount of €3,896,051, followed by the Salvation Army at €2,303,373, the Simon Community at €1,819,096, the St Vincent De Paul Trust at €1,538,637, and Merchants Quay-Failtiu at €984,553.

Other agencies to benefit included Crosscare, Respond, the Arrupe Society and the Iveagh Trust.

The minister added: “This continued high level of funding will enable the sector to continue the excellent work they are doing in providing these essential services for homeless people, as part of the overall implementation of the Dublin homeless action plan.”

Separate funding of €15.8m is also being allocated to the four Dublin local authorities for providing private sector emergency accommodation (mainly B&B accommodation) and other services in 2006.

He added: “Our focus must be on long term accommodation and the non-accommodation supports required to enable the people involved to move out of homelessness.”