Focus Ireland calls for immediate government action on social housing allocation as homelessness reaches another record total of 14,486

Focus Ireland has called for urgent government action on social housing allocation for the most vulnerable as the number of people who are homeless has increased to a record figure of 14,486 for August 2024. This is an increase in 57 individuals homeless on the previous month and a stark 14% rise in the last year since August 2023.

The new figures also show a record number of 4,419 children and 2,099 families who are homeless.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “We are urging the Government to adopt a policy that allocates a portion of new social housing specifically for families who have been homeless long-term. This targeted approach was instrumental in significantly reducing homelessness during the pandemic and has been crucial in Focus Ireland’s recent success in doubling the number of families we supported out of homelessness this year. If we fail to apply the lessons from what has proven effective, the number of families and children enduring long-term homelessness will continue to increase each month, despite the valuable efforts of Focus Ireland, other NGOs, and the State to support more households out of homelessness.”

He adds: “The goal should be to end long-term homelessness, not just manage it by adding more emergency beds. This is why Focus Ireland is calling for greater ambition from the Government. While there has been relative progress regarding social housing completions in the last year, there also needs to be a significant increase in the delivery targets specifically aimed at preventing homelessness. We have successfully delivered social housing in the past, and Ireland must rise to the challenge and do so again.”

Ahead of a possible General Election before the end of the year, Focus Ireland called on all political parties to identify solutions to end the homeless crisis.

Mr Dennigan said: “We know that housing and homelessness are key concerns for Irish voters, and all political parties must put forward ambitious yet realistic proposals to meet the significant challenges ahead. We urge both Government and opposition parties to focus on solutions, rather than casting blame on vulnerable groups.

He adds: “Ireland’s growing population is vital to sustaining economic growth, and we must ensure the homes and communities are available for this expanding population. We look forward to hearing how political parties plan to meet this challenge in the upcoming election.”