The number of families seeking help from a homeless charity nearly doubled in the space of a single year. 

The latest Impact Report by the charity Depaul reveals its services were used by 1,415 families in 2023 - up 83% since the previous year. 

On The Hard Shoulder, spokesperson Dermot Murphy said the charity had adapted its services to help families in their hour of need. 

“In 2021, we started to look at what we could do differently by 2022,” he said. 

“We developed some extra family services which meant we’ve seen an increase but what that shows is there is a need for more family services.” 

Mr Murphy said the charity worked with nearly 11,000 people last year and that a significant number have problems with their mental health. 

“One in seven of the people who are staying with us… have significant report needs that relate to their mental health issues,” he said. 

“So, that’s quite concerning.” 

Outlook in 2024

According to the Government’s most recent figures, things have deteriorated further this year. 

In July, there were 12,847 people living in emergency accommodation – an increase of 247 since June.

The figures include 3,829 children and Simon Communities spokesperson Wayne Stanley described the number as “simply shameful”. 

“This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.

“The Government has two clear opportunities over the coming weeks to take some of the steps required to meet their commitment to address homelessness by 2030.

“One measure is setting new targets for public housing provision and providing the necessary funding in the upcoming budget to meet them.

“While progress has been made, we need the state to provide a minimum of 15,000 social homes each year.” 

The Government has promised to set new housing targets this autumn.

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Main image: A parent and child holding hands. Picture by: Pexels.com.