Simon says homeless must not be forgotten

The Simon Communities of Ireland today urged the Government to honour its commitments to "protect poor and vulnerable people" in its April 7 emergency Budget.

In their Pre-Budget Submission the organisation warned that it was "inevitable" that homelessness will increase in the current economic climate, and called on the Government to deliver on its pledge to end rough sleeping and long-term homelessness by 2010.

"This Government has pledged on many occasions to protect poor and vulnerable people," said Patrick Burke, CEO of the Simon Communities of Ireland.

"As we know, people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless, are among the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society. Currently our services around the country are at full capacity we expect this situation to worsen in the coming months.

Mr Burke added: "Given the severity of this recession and the difficult fundraising environment we are all experiencing, the very least the Government can do is underwrite existing Simon services around the country.

"It is the only way that we can guarantee support and services will be available to those who need it most."