The Simon Communities of Ireland welcome the fall in the number of people in homelessness in Ireland in the month of April as real progress that can be built upon.
However, there are concerns that with the additional pressure on families and individuals in overcrowded situations and the growth in unemployment the numbers of people in hidden homelessness is increasing.
Commenting Wayne Stanley National Spokesperson for the Simon Communities of Ireland noted that Simon continue to support people at risk of homelessness and people who have been forced to enter homelessness.
“The fall in the number of people in emergency accommodation is welcome. It shows what can be achieved with effective preventative measures and on the ground collaboration to secure new homes.
But we also have to acknowledge that the housing and homelessness crisis is being masked to some degree by the extraordinary measure taken in response to the pandemic.
We are concerned that as the COVID-19 restrictions ease we could see a spike in homelessness, particularly in rural areas where we have not seen the increases in availability of rental accommodation due to the collapse of short-term lettings.
The next government has a housing crisis to address and it is critical that we have firm commitments in the next programme for government. A comprehensive prevention strategy is necessary to keep as many people as possible in their homes. We also need a housing strategy to provide a vital public housing infrastructure.”
Ends.
For media queries and interview requests
Emma Allen
Communications
Tel: 085 806 5141
E: communications@simoncommunity.com
About Simon Communities
The Simon Communities support over 16,700 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 North West and the South East, 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.
