Depressing outlook for hidden homeless

LIVING in cramped and overcrowded conditions, as so many are, often results in chronic depression.

This almost inevitably leads to other related problems. Families or individuals who are involuntarily sharing with other family members or friends, and those in insecure accommodation or substandard housing, are among the hidden homeless.

To add to the situation, the suspension of house repair grants for elderly and handicapped people has brought further misery and hardship.

Some years ago local authorities had social workers available to counsel all housing applicants, when requested, but that no longer applies. They are needed to assess the psychological effects bad housing conditions have on families.

Some families remain on local authority housing lists for years with little hope of success. After five years they could be asked to submit a fresh housing application to bring family circumstances and housing conditions up to date. A soul-destroying exercise, to say the least, but it comes under a Department of the Environment directive. Poverty is still prevalent in many parts of the country and is often given the blind-eye treatment.

It has been my experience that the most needy are slow to come forward for help and risk being forgotten unless found by charitable organisations, social workers and others.

Our legislators must make a major capital investment in the provision of social houses and hostels/rehabilitation centres for our less fortunate citizens.

The restoration of house repair grants for elderly and handicapped people must be treated as a priority, taking into consideration the atrocious conditions in which some people are living.

The winter weather only adds to their hardship.

Cllr Noel Collins

‘St Judes’

Midleton

Co Cork