24th September 2026
Irish and European Housing Experts Unite During Simon Week to Urge Government to Accelerate Action on Homelessness
Simon Communities of Ireland has called on Government to ensure the adoption of a meaningful European Council Recommendation on Fighting Housing Exclusion, following a gathering of leading Irish and European housing and homelessness experts in Dublin today (24 September).
The call comes as the Simon Communities launch their first national fundraising campaign, ‘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.
The federation of Simon Communities are calling for progress on a European Council Recommendation, increased housing supply and affordability, stronger homelessness prevention measures, improved collaboration across the health, housing, justice and social protection departments, continued expansion of Housing First, as well as the role of European collaboration in tackling the housing crisis.
The conference, in collaboration with Cork Simon Community, Dublin Simon Community, Dundalk Simon Community, Galway Simon Community, Midlands Simon Community, Mid West Simon Community and South East Simon Community, brought together Government representatives, Irish MEPs, European housing experts, policymakers, human rights representatives and frontline Simon Community staff as part of the 18th annual Simon Week.
The conference examined the action required to accelerate progress towards Ireland’s commitment to ending homelessness by 2030, with speakers including James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government; Ruth Owen, Deputy Director of FEANTSA; Hanna Kettunen, Senior Specialist at Finland’s Ministry of the Environment; Rob Lowth, National Director of Housing First at the Housing Agency; Liam Herrick, Chief Human Rights Commissioner Ireland; and Irish MEPs Regina Doherty, Ciaran Mullooly, Lynn Boylan and Aodhán O’Ríordáin.
Ber Grogan, Executive Director of Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“Today we brought together some of the leading voices in housing and homelessness from Ireland and across Europe to ensure that Ireland’s housing, health, and homelessness policies are aligned with wider European commitments. The key takeaway is that we cannot afford to lose momentum.
Ireland has made a commitment to end homelessness by 2030. We also have an opportunity to strengthen our response through the European Council Recommendation. We are calling on Government to finalise and adopt the Recommendation and to use it as a framework for accelerating the action required.
The message from Simon Week is simple – we need one big push. And that push needs to put single adults experiencing homelessness at its centre.
Behind every homelessness figure is a person. Ensuring people experiencing homelessness have a voice in policy development must remain central to Ireland’s response. For people who are experiencing homelessness alone, the system can be particularly difficult to navigate. We need housing policy and homelessness services that recognise individuals’ needs and ensure they are not overlooked.”
James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, said:
“Housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing people across Europe. During Ireland’s EU Presidency, we will work with our European partners to advance the European Affordable Housing Plan and keep housing at the heart of the European agenda. We will drive key initiatives, including the Housing Simplification Package and the continued expansion of the European Housing Alliance, helping to unlock investment and accelerate housing delivery across the Union.
I am acutely aware of the devastating impact that homelessness and housing exclusion have on individuals, families and communities. Addressing these challenges is absolutely critical for me and this Government, and we are committed to strengthening cooperation across Europe to support those most affected.
The housing crisis is affecting almost every Member State, undermining social cohesion, and opportunity. Under Ireland’s Presidency, we are determined to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to Europe’s response.”
The conference also heard from Seán Kinsella, who has lived experience of homelessness. He contributed to discussions alongside frontline staff from Simon Communities across the country.
Seán Kinsella said:
“I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the system, to feel judged by your past and defined by your circumstances. That’s why conversations about homelessness should include the voices of experts by experience. Behind every statistic is a person, a story and a human being who deserves to be seen. We need to move beyond stigma and start asking people what they need to rebuild their lives. I’m glad to be taking part in Simon Week’s national conference on how we can all push forward together.”
Earlier this week, Galway Simon hosted a conference examining the intersection between health and homelessness, bringing together colleagues and partners to explore collaborative responses to people experiencing complex and significant health needs.
Simon Week 2026 is proudly supported by Cash & Carry Kitchens.
To support the Homeless & Alone: One Big Push campaign, visit simon.ie/simonweek
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 086 166 2160 / communications@simoncommunity.com
