End of homelessness in sight: Simon

An end to homelessness is now a tangible prospect, homelessness agency Simon has said.

Launching its strategic plan Ending Homelessness, Creating Homes, Simon said that an end to rough sleeping and to long-term stays in emergency accommodation could be achieved.

Anne Connolly, Chairperson of the Simon Community of Ireland said: "We have reached a point where we can move away from managing the problem of homelessness, to finding a solution. Homelessness can be ended once and for all.

Among its future plans, Simon intends to conduct a "needs assessment" with everyone who uses its services and to collate the results into national data to identify the amount and type of housing required, as well as the range of services needed to support people in the houses.