Focus Ireland has called for increased access to social housing in response to a significant 13% rise in homelessness. The charity emphasised the success of social housing initiatives during the pandemic, which resulted in a notable decrease in homelessness numbers.
Families Need Immediate Help
Roughan Mac Namara, a spokesperson for Focus Ireland, highlighted the urgency of the situation for families stuck in long-term homelessness. "We are urging the government to prioritise these families for the new social housing that is becoming available. During the pandemic, such measures reduced the homeless count to under 8,000. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach, and it's crucial for the government to act now," he said.
Homelessness Exceeds Croke Park’s Capacity
The current number of homeless individuals in Ireland exceeds the capacity of Hill 16 in Croke Park, which holds 13,000 people. According to the Department of Housing, 14,303 people were living in emergency accommodations in June, including 9,899 adults and 4,404 children. This represents a 13% increase from last year and an additional 144 people since May.
Despite government claims that reducing homelessness is a priority, these figures only account for those officially registered as homeless. They do not include hidden homeless individuals, rough sleepers, women in refuge centres, refugees, or asylum seekers.
Children in Emergency Accommodation
Rebecca Hamilton, a policy analyst at the Simon Communities of Ireland, described the latest figures as both "shocking and unsurprising." She expressed concern for the 4,404 children spending their summer in emergency accommodation, stating, "This situation is unacceptable. Homelessness can be eradicated, but without a new approach, the numbers will keep rising. Each month, the Simon Communities of Ireland stress the need for urgent action. A lack of secure and safe housing leads to isolation and poor physical and mental health. Budget 2025 must address this crisis with the necessary investments to make a real difference."
Human Rights Concerns
Earlier this year, Amnesty International Ireland pointed out significant failings in Ireland's handling of the housing crisis. In its "State of the World’s Human Rights" report, which assessed human rights in 155 countries, Amnesty highlighted Ireland’s housing crisis as a blemish on the nation’s reputation.
Decline in Home Ownership
Ireland once had one of the highest rates of home ownership in the EU. However, despite near full employment and strong economic growth in recent years, home ownership has plummeted to 66%, down from 79% in 1991. This decline is particularly pronounced among younger generations and lower-income groups. Currently, less than a third of 30-year-olds own their home.
In summary, Focus Ireland and other advocacy groups are calling for urgent government action to address the rising homelessness crisis. The success of previous social housing initiatives during the pandemic provides a model for potential solutions. However, without substantial policy changes and investments, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, impacting thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across the country.
