Housing charity Threshold is welcoming a new campaign to stop families from becoming homeless.

The initiative involves the four Dublin local authorities, 'Threshold' and the Department of Social Protection.

Billboards and posters will also be put up across the city, making parents aware of a freephone service they can call if they are facing a crisis.

It is being run by Threshold and will be manned for 12 hours a day from 9am. It is available on 1800-454-454.

Staff will assess the needs of families, let them know what they are entitled to and possibly help them get an 'exceptional needs payment' through the Department of Social Protection to cover rent costs.

Chairperson of Threshold Aideen Hayden explains.