The homelessness and housing charity Simon Community experienced high numbers in 2018.

Its annual report shows there was a 26% increase in people turning to them for services.

This includes emergency, prevention, sustainment and housing services over 12 months to the end of last year.

The report shows that 16,776 people used Simon Communities services last year - including 2,834 families with 5,331 children.

The annual report also shows that 5,263 people were supported out of homelessness into housing - a 56.8% increase since 2017.

Source: Simon Community

While 1,738 people accessed emergency accommodation, an increase of 79.5% on the previous year.

The charity also says that 2,834 families with 5,331 children were supported, while 2,812 people accessed specialist treatment and support.

Soup runs took place 365 nights last year in Cork and Dublin.

However there has been a decline in family and child homelessness in the capital.

Wayne Stanley is national spokesperson for the Simon Communities.

"These numbers show that this homelessness crisis is continuing to impact on the lives of many people.

"The Simon Communities around the country were on the frontline, helping 5,263 people to maintain a permanent home in 2018.

Image: Simon Community

"Our communities ensure that people are not forgotten or left behind in this homelessness and housing crisis.

"We are experiencing very welcome decline in family and child homelessness in Dublin.

"This is due to partnership and collaboration between NGO's, local authorities and Government departments throughout the year.

"However, this week's latest homeless figures showed record levels of people forced to access emergency accommodation in October.

"Over 10,500 men, women and children will now enter the new year in that situation.

"And this is very much a nationwide issue; we have seen levels of rural and long-term homelessness increasing, along with instances of 'hidden homelessness' and those forced to stay with family or friends.

"We are all aware that the main driver of homelessness is a critical lack of secure affordable accommodation, and this is something that needs to be addressed by Government."