Time for Action - The rising level of homelessness

Given the Government’s insistence that an improving economy will be good for everyone, it is sobering to reflect on the increasing number of people being forced to live on the streets of our towns and cities.

The evidence from the Simon Communities is shocking: the numbers of those sleeping rough in Cork increased by 134% from August 2013 to August 2014, and, in Galway, there was a 57% increase in people turning to homelessness prevention services.

It is little wonder that a survey shows that one in four people are now worried about the prospect of becoming homeless because of struggles to meet rent or mortgage payments.