Left out in thecold: A review of rural homelessness in ireland Range of Services Provided Although there were no cuts to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Homeless Budget for 2014, the 2013 cuts, implemented by Local Authorities, only came into force in Q4 2013 and were disproportionate across the country. In addition, there have been cuts across other budget lines, for example HSE funding to homeless service has seen cuts by approximately 20% since 201033. This comes at a time when the number of people using homeless services continues to increase. One of the major implications of reduced funding is that the range of mainstream services provided in rural areas are now more limited. Cutbacks and reduced public funding are also putting people at greater risk of homelessness and preventing them from moving out of homelessness. Services that had been provided remotely e.g. council outreach offices have been cutback and moved back to headquarters. Another example cited was a day-care service which was provided with a bus for people with mental health issues, this was initially cut from three visits per week to two visits and is now cut to just one visit per week. It is suggested that for many this was their lifeline and the cut has led to a decline in not only their mental health but also their physical health. There is a need for some of the services that are provided in urban areas, such as outreach, supports to help people back into education/employment etc but due to lack of funding and low staffing levels organisations may be unable to provide such services. In 14 addition, staff retention can be an issue in smaller towns. 33 www.independent.ie/irish-news/charities-dublin-homeless-services-at-breaking-point-29179484.html
Left out in the cold: A review of rural homelessness in Ireland
To see the actual publication please follow the link above