The Simon Communities of Ireland have called on the Government to prevent an increase in those entering homelessness after the latest figures from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government show 8,014 men, women and children were in homeless emergency accommodation in Ireland during June. This is a fall of 7.9% since June 2020 but marks a rise of 0.3% since last month, May 2021.
- 4,497 were single adults, a 3% annual increase on the number in June 2020
- 932 families were homeless, a 19.6% annual fall on the number in June 2020, but a 0.4% increase on last month, May 2021.
Wayne Stanley, National Spokesperson for the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“Following reports that the National ‘Housing for All’ plan has been delayed at least another month, the Simon Communities of Ireland are concerned that the reduction in homelessness during the pandemic will be short lived. The latest RTB report indicates that affordability has increasingly become an issue in terms of housing.
The persistent and chronic lack of affordable housing is having a huge impact on homelessness. The latest RTB research indicates that rents grew by 4.5% year-on-year and that there has been a decline in the number of tenancies registered with the RTB and this is particularly worrying. This increase will drive a further lack of affordability experienced across the country.
We cannot continue to delay the release of the next housing strategy; we need to act urgently to protect those at risk of homelessness and prevent a sharp increase in the homeless figures.”
ENDS
For media queries and interview requests contact
Robyn Keleghan
P: 0858001275
E: communications@simoncommunity.com
About Simon Communities
The Simon Communities support over 18,000 men, women, and children. We have 50 years of experience providing homeless, housing and treatment services to people facing the trauma and stress of homelessness. We are a network of independent Communities based in Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, the Midlands, the Mid West, the Northwest and the Southeast, responding to local needs and supported by a National Office in the areas of policy, research, communications and best practice. We share common values and ethos in tackling homelessness and, informed by our grassroots services, we campaign for more effective policies and legislation regionally, nationally and at European level.
Whatever the issue, Simon’s door is always open for as long as we are needed. For more information, please visit www.simon.ie.
Services include:
- Homelessness prevention, tenancy sustainment and resettlement
- Street outreach, emergency accommodation and harm reduction
- Housing with support and Housing First services
- Homeless specific health and wellbeing services (counselling; addiction treatment and recovery; and mental health supports)
- Personal development, education, training, and employment services
- Food banks, drop-in centres and soup runs
