25th February 2022
Rise in Homelessness is a stark indication of the scale of the challenge to address homelessness – Simon Communities of Ireland
The Simon Communities of Ireland have said the rise in homelessness in January 2022, while anticipated, is a stark indication of the scale of the challenge that has to be met to address the homelessness crisis.
According to the latest figures by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government, there were 9,150 men, women and children in homeless emergency accommodation in Ireland during the last week of January 2022.
- 1,119 were families – this is 42 (3.9%) more than the previous month (1,077 families)
- 4,788 were single adults – this is 66 (1.4%) more than the previous month (4,722 single adults)
- 2,563 were Children/Dependents – this is up 112 (4.5%) on the previous month (2,451 dependents)
- 1,111 were Young People aged 18-24 – this is up 21 (1.9 %) on the previous month (1,090) and up 351 (46%) year on year from 760 in Jan 2021.
This is an increase of 2.65% (233 people) in one month* and a 10% increase (236 people) since this time last year (8,313 people in January 2021).
We also reiterate our call for the progression of the Simon Homeless Prevention Bill as it has the potential to reduce the number of people entering homelessness by protecting renters. We will continue to work with members of the Oireachtas and the Minister in driving this forward.”
*The increase is based on the December revised monthly homeless report (3 additional people) – https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/48bb6-homeless-report-december-2021/
