Focus Ireland has called for urgent government action as the number of people who are homeless has increased to a record figure of 14,159 for May 2024. The monthly stats also show a record number of children (4,316) and families (2,051) who are homeless.

The Department of Housing figures show a total increase of 150 from the previous month and an alarming 14% higher compared to May 2023. There are now 16% more families in emergency accommodation compared with May 2023 and a 17% increase of children in the same timeframe.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan highlighted that not only are record numbers of children facing homelessness, but they are also enduring homelessness for extended durations, increasing the potential trauma.

Mr. Dennigan highlighted the severe impact of homelessness, stating, “Homelessness creates huge pain for everyone involved, with children suffering the most. It is truly heartbreaking that when many schools are closing for the summer holidays 4,316 children don’t have a home. This is an appalling situation that, without proper support, can have lifelong consequences. As a society, we need to take meaningful actions that will bring about change.”

He adds: “The aim must be to end long-term homelessness, as opposed to managing it through providing more emergency beds. This is why our pre-budget submission to Government calls for an urgent increase in the annual social housing targets and measures for homelessness prevention. We’re increasingly concerned about the welfare of over 4,000 children living in emergency accommodation for long periods and we’re asking the Government to fund child support workers under Tusla (Child and Family Agency) to ensure that children are adequately supported through the trauma of homelessness’’.

The charity stated that the Government has the capability to prioritise moving many families and individuals out of long-term homelessness with realistic changes that could quickly and significantly improve people’s lives.

Mr. Dennigan explained: “While it is encouraging that more social housing was provided last year and new builds, the grim reality is that homelessness continues to rise. A key factor for this increase is that the new social housing allocations are not going to families and individuals who have been trapped in emergency accommodation for extended periods. If the most vulnerable were prioritised we could see these monthly figures reduce significantly.”