25th September 2026
Simon Communities of Ireland has called on Government to make homeless prevention a priority in Budget 2027, following a further increase in the number of men, women and children living in emergency accommodation.
The latest figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show that 17,885 people were living in emergency accommodation in August 2026, an increase of 358 people on July.
Of those living in emergency accommodation, 5,830 are children. This is an increase of 171 children since last month.
Over the 12 months since August 2025, the data reveals an increase of 1,532 (9.4%) in emergency accommodation:
- 7,304 were single adults, marking a 2% (134) increase over the year
- 2,800 were families, marking a 17% (409) increase over the year
- 5,830 were children, showing a 13% (685) rise in the same period
- 2,127 were 18-24-year-olds, marking a 9% (177) increase over the year
- 271 were over 65-year-olds, marking a 8% (19) increase over the year
The latest figures come as Simon Communities of Ireland launched its first national fundraising campaign during Simon Week, ‘Homeless & Alone: One Big Push’, highlighting the reality that almost two-thirds of adults experiencing homelessness are facing it alone. The campaign is calling for a national commitment to ensure single adults are no longer overlooked in housing policy and homelessness responses, while raising vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness.
Simon Communities of Ireland is also calling on Government to ensure the adoption of a meaningful European Council Recommendation on Fighting Housing Exclusion, alongside a greater focus on preventing people from entering homelessness in the first place.
“This is the worst it’s ever been. 60 single adults and 358 more people than last month are recognised in these figures. This dramatic increase is totally unacceptable.
With Budget 2027 just around the corner, we are pleading with Government to allocate budget for homeless prevention. Homelessness has not featured in Budget speeches over the last two years. That is deeply disappointing and something has to change.
Budget 2027 is an opportunity for Government to demonstrate that preventing homelessness is a national priority. We need investment in the services and supports that can intervene early, before even more people are forced to experience the trauma of homelessness.”
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 086 166 2160 / communications@simoncommunity.com
