The number of people accessing emergency accommodation increased again last month, with almost 10,400 adults and children experiencing homelessness nationwide.
Figures released today by the Department of Housing show that 10,397 people, including 6,524 adults and 3,873 children, accessed emergency accommodation in September.
This marks an increase of 59 on the previous month, including 25 more children. It is also a 7% rise on the same month last year.
Homeless figures first surpassed 10,000 for the first time in March, and have fluctuated in the months since.
However, September was the third month in a row in which the numbers have risen.
Among adults, the biggest proportion of people accessing emergency accommodation are those in the 25-44 age bracket.
There are also almost 1,000 more men than women who are homeless.
The figures show there were 1,756 families experiencing homelessness last month.
Unsurprisingly, the highest proportion of people accessing emergency accommodation is found in Dublin.
67% of those who are homeless sought accommodation there, followed by Cork, Galway, Limerick and Kildare.
The figures were gathered by the department over the week of 23-29 September.
The Simon Communities in Ireland said that increased number of people in emergency accommodation is extremely disappointing.
#Homeless numbers released, 10,397 people now in emergency accommodation. pic.twitter.com/xhITTH4AqP
— Wayne Stanley (@drurbino) October 31, 2019
Wayne Stanley, National Spokesperson for the Simon Communities, said they do not truly capture the full extent of homelessness in Ireland as they don’t include rough sleepers, those in squats, people in direct provision and women’s shelters, and the ‘hidden homeless’ who have no home of their own.
He said the Simon Communities has seen the crisis intensify every year, with services becoming “more and more stretched”.
He said that “it is crucial that we remind ourselves that this is not normal”.
Mr Stanley said: “Homelessness is not normal and as a society we long ago set out that it should not be acceptable.
“The current programme cannot be allowed to drift on as if it was succeeding.
“There is a need for a new direction, with increased effort to prevent homelessness and provide homes for individuals and families.
“To move forward, the government has to accept the failings of Rebuilding Ireland to provide affordable and secure housing across the country, particularly one and two bed units, and act to improve levels of availability of suitable and secure accommodation for those currently experiencing homelessness.”
Meanwhile, Focus Ireland has called for the government to bring in tax measures in the Finance Bill to make it more beneficial for landlords selling a property to do so with tenants in place.
Focus Ireland Director of Advocacy Mike Allen said: “The record number of families becoming homeless in September highlights yet again that the problem cannot be solved unless the Government moves to stop families being evicted from their homes by landlords who wish to sell up.
“We are calling on the Minister to use the opportunity of the Finance Bill going through the Dáil to introduce tax measures which would make it more attractive for landlords in this situation to sell the property with the tenant in place."
