Homelessness charities see demand hit high

Two Irish charities that deal with vulnerable children and families have each seen a marked increase in demands for their services over the past year. Housing charity Focus Ireland helped more than 15,500 people who were homeless or at risk of losing their homes last year — a rise of 7% compared to 2017.

At the same time, Barnardos supported 17,799 children and families across its 41 centres in 2018 — more than any other year on record. Demands for Focus Ireland services also reached an all-time high, representing an increase of 14% since 2016. The charity’s annual report also revealed it supported 1,600 families in 2018.