The latest figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show 17,112 men, women and children were living in emergency accommodation in January 2026. This is an increase of 378 people since December 2025.
The Simon Communities of Ireland says this increase at the start of another year, compounded by a worrying rise in the number of single adults experiencing homelessness across Ireland, is deepening this national crisis.
Over the 12 months since January 2025, the data reveals a staggering increase of 1,826 people (11.9%) in emergency accommodation:
- 2,555 were families, marking a 18.1% (391) increase over the year
- 5,319 were children, showing a 15.6% (716) rise in the same period
- 2,050 were 18-24 year olds, marking a 14.0% (252) increase over the year
- 274 were over 65 year olds, marking a 15.1% (36) increase over the year
In addition, the figures show a 39% increase in the number of single adults living in emergency accommodation compared to 2021.
Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“With the 2030 target to end homelessness in plain sight, it is unacceptable that this crisis is deepening, particularly among single adults who now make up nearly three-quarters of all households experiencing homelessness.
“The Government’s current plan is failing this largest cohort in emergency beds, with potentially long-term impacts on their mental and physical wellbeing. This is a key concern for all the Simon Communities across Ireland. While the new Housing Plan has a welcome focus on children and family homelessness, we simply cannot allow for single adults to be forgotten about and by-passed when investing in solutions.
“Everyone has a right to a safe home and the dignity that comes with it. There needs to be a sustained focus on single adults as part of the wider plan. We urgently need a dedicated single-adult homelessness strategy and a rapid supply of one-bed units.”
ENDS
For further information contact Claire O’Flynn 085 8001275 / Beth Molloy 086 832 2408
