Urgent action required to combat the record levels of homelessness

As showcased in the January 2016 figures released by the Department of the Environment, homelessness figures have reached record-high levels. That 5715 people, including 884 families with 1830 children, are in homeless accommodation across Ireland is heart-breaking.

Depaul sees on a daily basis the devastation of homelessness. In our Dublin accommodation services, Depaul provides the first step off the streets for over 250 men, women and children who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. We provide them with food, shelter and supports to get back on their feet.

However, the lack of affordable housing remains a barrier to moving people away from homelessness and we are seeing more and more individuals and families residing for longer periods in temporary accommodation.

Depaul is continuing to see more and more people in need of our services due to rising rents and repossessions. This trend has been ongoing for two years. We fear that it is only set to continue, as house-building lags and repossessions rise. We are building less than half of the homes needed to meet demand, and there are plots of land zoned for development that remain untouched.

Depaul calls for an immediate increase of Rent Supplement levels, accelerated provision of social and affordable housing for single people and families, and summary activation of the Vacant Site Levy.

Kerry Anthony

CEO of Depaul

18 Nicholas Street

Dublin