Record 16,766 people now homeless as child and family numbers continue to rise

The latest figures from the Department of Housing also show that 2,484 families were in emergency accommodation

There were a record-breaking 16,766 people in emergency accommodation at the end of October, including 11,492 adults and 5,274 children.

The latest figures from the Department of Housing also show that 2,484 families were in emergency accommodation.

This is an increase from September, when 16,614 people were living in emergency accommodation.

The figures suggest that thousands of children are again set to face Christmas in homeless accommodation, as the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise month-on-month.

Simon Communities of Ireland executive director Ber Grogan said such levels of homelessness will continue to grow next year unless urgent solutions are forthcoming.

“This Christmas, an additional 629 children will face the harsh reality of homelessness compared to last year,” she said. 

“Human beings deserve far better than this. It’s shocking that so many people will go without this basic security at a time meant for joy and family.” 

Fous Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the number of children who will be homeless this Chrismas is “heartbreaking”, and for many it will be their second or even third year opening presents in emergency accommodation.

“Children who are homeless are having their childhoods stolen one day at a time,” he said. “This is wrong and we can – and must – end this human crisis.”