265 new 'housing first' tenancies to come on stream this year

The scheme is targeted at vulnerable individuals using homeless services consistently or intermittently over long periods of time. Picture: Denis Minihane

A further 265 'housing first' tenancies will be created this year, Government said, as part of a strategy to support adults out of long-term homelessness.

The expansion brings the number of housing first tenancies in the country to almost 1,300, with additional funding from Budget 2025 set to support the new and existing tenants.

The scheme is targeted at vulnerable individuals using homeless services consistently or intermittently over long periods of time, and those unable or resistant to accessing homeless services and who may then become habitual rough sleepers.

They often have complex needs such as mental and physical health problems, as well as addiction issues.

Instead of a system where a person must first address their health issues, such as receiving treatment for addiction, before being considered for long-term housing, housing first provides direct access to permanent housing for an individual, while also providing the appropriate health and other supports they need.

The system was considered a success in Finland, where it drastically reduced long-term homelessness in the country.

In Ireland, the Government has said that it is a “vital measure in tackling long-term homelessness among people with complex health needs, by providing them with stable tenancies as well as health and social supports”.

Minister of State Colm Burke said the €1.5m in additional funding for homeless health services in the budget would support the existing 1,000 housing first tenancies in the country, and also create 265 new ones.

The funding is also aimed towards recruiting additional clinical and support staff to meet growing demand and expansion into rural areas, while improving access to dual diagnosis services for managing co-occuring mental health and substance abuse issues. 

Minister of State Colm Burke said the €1.5m in additional funding for homeless health services in the budget would support the existing 1,000 housing first tenancies in the country, and also create 265 new ones. Picture Dan Linehan

Further aims include streamlined referral pathways and access to psychology and occupational therapy. Mr Burke said: "This funding reflects our commitment to a ‘housing-led’ approach that provides vulnerable people with a stable tenancy and an important foundation upon which they can begin to address their needs with the support of a multidisciplinary team.

“As reflected in a recent EU Commission Peer Review, the Housing First programme is critical in supporting people to overcome their challenges and addictions. It also has far-reaching positive implications, reconnecting families, supporting increased employment, reduced Emergency Department presentations, and increased community participation.” 

Last week, a group of organisations working in the homelessness sector delivered a suite of 10 recommendations to political parties on what they must prioritise in the next Government in order to finally get to grips with this crisis.

It came after the latest figures showed the number of people recorded as homeless in Ireland has exceeded 15,000 for the first time.

One of the recommendations was that a “Housing First for Families” approach should be adopted to “address the housing and support needs of families with more complex needs” going forward.