Simon Communities of Ireland Submission on the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Public Consultation

Introduction.
The Simon Community of Ireland welcome the opportunity afforded by the department to
take part in the consultation. While there have been some positive projections on the
possibilities for a rebound in the Irish economy once we emerge from the COVID crisis, there
will still be a great deal of harm done that will require a response.
The Simon Communities in Ireland support over 18,000 men, women and children. With 50
years of experience providing support to people facing the trauma and stress of
homelessness. As such the focus of this submission will be on the need to utilise all available
financial and policy levers to ensure we address the homeless and housing crisis that
predated COVID but will undoubtedly postdate it as well.