Reports & Publications
Focus Ireland’s research work aims to support and inform the organisation’s provision of housing and services to those at risk and people out-of-home, and its lobbying, campaigning, policy and education.
Housing First and Structural Change in Ireland
This paper, originally published in the European Journal of Homelessness Volume 17, Issue 2, examines the paradoxical nature of Housing First in Ireland. On the one hand, Ireland has one of the better developed and systemic Housing First programmes but on the other, Ireland has one of the highest and fastest growing levels of homelessness in Europe, with single persons’ homelessness increasing by nearly 69% since the first national Housing First Implementation Plan was published in September 2018.
Multidisciplinary Team for Homeless Families Feasibility Study – Executive Summary
The core of Focus Ireland’s work is always supporting families and individuals out of homelessness into secure and sustainable homes. Our experience has shown that, for families with complex support needs, this is more likely to be successful with a team expanded to include other disciplines, particularly in clinical and therapeutic fields. The objective of making all Focus Ireland activities ‘Trauma Informed’, as set out in the organisational strategy ‘Restating our Vision 2021–25’, reinforces the importance of this broadening of the teams supporting families with complex needs. This is the context in which Focus Ireland has commissioned this study into the potential, and challenges, of establishing ‘multi-disciplinary teams’ to support this group of vulnerable families.
Multidisciplinary Team for Homeless Families Feasibility Study – Main Report
The core of Focus Ireland’s work is always supporting families and individuals out of homelessness into secure and sustainable homes. Our experience has shown that, for families with complex support needs, this is more likely to be successful with a team expanded to include other disciplines, particularly in clinical and therapeutic fields. The objective of making all Focus Ireland activities ‘Trauma Informed’, as set out in the organisational strategy ‘Restating our Vision 2021–25’, reinforces the of this broadening of the teams supporting families with complex needs. This is the context in which Focus Ireland has commissioned this study into the potential, and challenges, of establishing ‘multi-disciplinary teams’ to support this group of vulnerable families
Transitions Into, Through and Out of Homeless: Quantitative Analysis of Administrative Data on Single Adults’ Emergency Accommodation Use in the Dublin Region between 2016 and 2018
Focus Ireland provided funding for this PhD thesis by Clíodhna Bairéad. It employs statistical analysis of administrative data on single adult users of emergency accommodation for homeless people in Dublin. Together with theories of ‘housing transitions’ and the structural, experiential and life course factors which shape these, a new framework has been generated to analyse, explain and predict patterns of entry and exit from homelessness and of emergency accommodation use. This analysis has the potential to inform the reform of homeless service to maximise rates of exit from homelessness.
From Rebuilding Ireland to Housing for All: international and Irish lessons for tackling homelessness
This review of homeless policy was commissioned by a group of voluntary organisations working in homelessness across Ireland. It was authored by group of homelessness researchers from Ireland, Portugal, the UK and the US who were asked to review the 2016 Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness: Rebuilding Ireland from an international perspective.
Insights into Family Homelessness Series 2022 Vol 2, No 2
This study presents the findings from a telephone survey with 14 families with experiences of emergency accommodation during Covid-19 (March 2020–August 2021). The survey comprised open-ended questions on participants housing histories, and experiences of seeking accommodation in the private rented sector.
Peer Research in Housing and Homelessness Guidebook
The aim of the guidebook is to impart the learnings gained from Focus Ireland’s peer research programme. This has been active since 2014 and has included a European seminar on peer research, which was held in Dublin in 2019. This guidebook focuses on the experience of participatory peer research methodology in housing and homelessness. It highlights the value and practical considerations of undertaking such research.
Domestic Violence and Family Homelessness Report
This report looks at the relationship between domestic violence and family homelessness in Ireland. It also aims to examine the potential for greater interagency and cross-sectoral collaboration in preventing homelessness among families affected by domestic violence and in the development of co-ordinated responses that ensure safety and security of housing for families and individuals impacted by domestic abuse.
REGAL Ireland Report No 1: Analytical
REGAL (regaining life for precarious women at work) is an EU-funded project which involves organisations from five European countries. It investigates the possibilities of achieving a better work-life balance for vulnerable groups. As project partner Focus Ireland conducted research with sixteen women with children who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity. This analytical report outlines the context and conditions in Ireland while also exploring some of the findings and experiences of the project and the work undertaken in the focus groups.
REGAL Ireland Report No 2: Aspirations
REGAL (regaining life for precarious women at work) is an EU-funded project which involves organisations from five European countries. It investigates the possibilities of achieving a better work-life balance for vulnerable groups. As project partner Focus Ireland conducted research with sixteen women with children who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity. This report follows REGAL Ireland report No 1: Analytical and outlines the findings and experiences of the work undertaken in focus groups and qualitative interviews in more depth.
Supporting the mental health of children in families that are homeless: a trauma informed approach
This report reviews a selection of best practices at different levels of expertise to support the psychological needs of children in homeless families in Dublin and reviews the currently available services and the system blockages that prevent many families from accessing those services. This research provides a look at some best practice internationally, along with the output from a roundtable discussion among relevant service providers about the findings, and makes some recommendations on how the current system can be developed to meet the needs of children in homeless families.
Impact of Covid-19 on Housing First Service Provision in Ireland
This report looks at how Housing First services in Ireland responded to the first lock-down of the Covid-19 pandemic, based on the experiences of Housing First (HF) staff from voluntary sector HF providers across the country.
Exploring Own-Door Models of Emergency Accommodation for Homeless Families in Ireland
This study considers the strengths and weaknesses of four own-door models of emergency transitional accommodation for homeless families in Ireland. The research compares these to the State’s primary emergency accommodation responses, to promote informed debate on the issue and to develop ideas to improve homeless families’ experiences of emergency accommodation.
Executive Summary: Exploring Own-Door Models of Emergency Accommodation for Homeless Families in Ireland
This study considers the strengths and weaknesses of four own-door models of emergency transitional accommodation for homeless families in Ireland. The research compares these to the State’s primary emergency accommodation responses, to promote informed debate on the issue and to develop ideas to improve homeless families’ experiences of emergency accommodation.
A Qualitative Study of LGBTQI+ Youth Homelessness in Ireland
This report on the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people who find themselves without a home emerges from an exploration of the causes and solutions to youth homelessness which Focus Ireland has been engaged with for over 30 years. This report in partnership with BeLonG To is the first qualitative report into LGBTQI+ Youth Homelessness in Ireland.
Youth Homelessness in the Dublin Region: A profile of young, single emergency accommodation users in 2016, 2017 and 2018
This report is the first to establish a quantitative understanding of the scope of youth homelessness in Ireland and marks the first of a new series of Focus Ireland’s ‘Insights into Youth Homelessness’ reports which will inform effective responses to youth homelessness.
A Needs Analysis for Service Needs of Vulnerable Young People in Waterford
The availability of funds from CYPSC enabled Focus Ireland, on behalf of partner agencies; to commission this needs analysis, fulfilling one of the actions of the CYPSC Children and Young Peoples Plan. The purpose of the work was to identify the service needs of vulnerable young people and in particular unmet needs, with a view to informing the development of initiatives and supports in Waterford.
Research Briefing No. 1 – Family Homelessness in Dublin: Causes, Housing Histories, and Finding a Home
This report is part of a wider body of research and policy analysis produced by Focus Ireland entitled Insights into Family Homelessness Series. This briefing summarises the purpose and findings of 'Family Homelessness in Dublin: Causes, Housing Histories, and Finding a Home', which examined the causes of family homelessness, housing histories and families’ efforts to find a home of 237 families interviewed who were on the Focus Ireland Family Homeless Action Team caseload at the time of survey.
Family Homelessness in Dublin: Causes, Housing Histories, and Finding a Home
This major Focus Ireland study details the findings of 237 families currently on Focus Ireland Family Homeless Action Team caseload. It examines the causes of family homelessness, their housing histories and the families’ efforts to find a home. The report finds that 68% of the families had their last stable home in the private rented sector and 36% of whom lost their property due to landlord selling. The report includes commentary which draws on some key policy implications.
Brighter Futures for Careleavers – A Consultation on Outcomes and Aftercare for Young People Leaving Care in Ireland
Brighter Future for Careleavers commissioned by Focus Ireland and conducted by a team from the University of York is a consultation with care experienced young people and aftercare workers to explore the scope for developing an aftercare framework to support outcomes and services provision. The messages and findings that emerged from the consultation with young people and aftercare workers provides a snapshot of aftercare experiences and support and highlight some of the strengths and the gaps in aftercare preparation and support for young people leaving care in Ireland.
Insights into Family Homelessness No 16 – Causes of Family Homelessness in the Dublin Region during 2016 and 2017
This research briefing presents an overview of all data from surveys which were conducted with families presenting as homeless across 2016 and 2017. This evidence collected across these quarterly surveys indicate that most families entering emergency accommodation have broadly stable housing histories and their routes into homelessness are closely related to broader structural and systemic problem in the housing market. Furthermore, these housing market dynamics disproportionately impact on families who are on low incomes including lone mothers, young parents and migrants. These categories are often overlapping with families sometimes presenting two or more risk factors.
Insights into Family Homelessness No 15 – Families Exiting Homelessness – An Analysis of December 2017 Telephone Survey Cohort
Every three months, Focus Ireland Research Team conducts telephone surveys with families presenting as homeless to understand the root causes of their homelessness, their housing histories and key demographic details. In an effort to capture families’ routes out of homelessness, we conducted an exercise by tracking the families who participated in December 2017 telephone survey through PASS database (Homeless Services Management System). During this month, 23 families were surveyed (representing 37% of all families who presented as homeless within the Dublin region that month).
Insights into Family Homelessness No 14 – Families Exiting Homelessness – An Analysis of September 2017 Telephone Survey Cohort
Every three months, Focus Ireland Research Team conducts telephone surveys with families presenting as homeless to understand the root causes of their homelessness, their housing histories and key demographic details. In an effort to capture families’ routes out of homelessness, we conducted an exercise by tracking the families who participated in September 2017 telephone survey through PASS database (Homeless Services Management System). During this month, 26 families were surveyed (representing 29% of all families who presented as homeless within the Dublin region that month).
Stanley and Allen (2018) Insights into Family Homelessness No 13 – Family Homelessness End of Year Review 2017
The growth in the number of families in excess of 24 months in homelessness in the Dublin should be one of the key indicators of concern. There must be an imperative on the state to ensure that housing options and any necessary supports are put in place to facilitate them to move to independent living. In addition given the growth in family homelessness in the rest of Ireland there is a growing need for a greater publication of data about the causal factors and duration of family homelessness beyond the Dublin region, and a roll out of policies which have been successful in Dublin (such as Homeless HAP, and pre-qualification for HAP) to other major towns and cities.
Insights into Family Homelessness No 12 – Families Exiting Homelessness – An Analysis of March 2016 Telephone Survey Cohort
Every three months, Focus Ireland Research Team conducts telephone surveys with families presenting as homeless to understand the root causes of their homelessness, their housing histories and key demographic details. In an effort to capture families’ routes out of homelessness, we conducted an exercise by tracking the families who participated in March 2016 telephone survey through PASS database (Homeless Services Management System). During this month, 70 families were surveyed (representing 83% of all families who presented as homeless within the Dublin region that month).
Young Families in the Homeless Crisis: Challenges and Solutions
This study seeks to understand the housing and support needs of young parents (aged 18-24 years) whose first step away from their family home leads to them and their children entering homelessness. These families typically report family conflict together with overcrowding before leaving the family home, and in the context of the current housing crisis, they are unable to secure their own housing. These families are likely to have limited experience of living as independent adults, let alone as parents. This report is a first step in trying to better cater for these young parents.
“Are you still ok” – Housing Tenancy Sustainment among Focus Ireland Customers
To better understand the longer-term impact of our services, Focus Ireland embarked on a unique and innovative programme to verify whether tenancies were still in place six months after customers disengaged from Focus Ireland services. This research details the level of tenancy sustainment among our customers while also exploring their housing concerns, perceptions of housing security, and service satisfaction.
Insights into Family Homelessness No. 11 – Survey of the Families that became Homeless during June 2017
This study presents key findings from a short quantitative survey conducted by telephone with 27 families who presented as homeless in the Dublin region during June 2017. Similar to previous waves of data collection, 70% of families reported their last stable home was in the private rented sector. Issues around affordability, landlords leaving the sector, relationship breakdown, and substandard accommodation were key triggers into homelessness.
Insights into Family Homelessness No. 10 – Survey of the Families that became Homeless during March 2017
This study presents key findings from a short quantitative survey conducted by telephone with 38 families who presented as homeless in the Dublin region during March 2017. Similar findings emerge in March 2017 data collection as compared to the averages recorded in 2016 surveys: high numbers of families were made homeless due to landlords leaving the private rented market.
Insights into Family Homlessness No. 9 – Complete Analysis of All Telephone Surveys with Families that Became Homeless During 2016
This study presents full data analysis of all 183 telephone surveys which were administered on a quarterly basis to families presenting as homeless during 2016. The findings demonstrated how a key cause of family homelessness is intimately related to dynamics in the private rented housing market - which is disproportionately impacting on low income households.
Insights into Family Homelessness No. 8 – Survey of the Families that became Homeless during December 2016
This study presents key findings from a short quantitative survey conducted by telephone with 23 families who presented as homeless in the Dublin region during December 2016. The December findings demonstrated, once again, high numbers of lone parents, parents who are dependent on social welfare payments, migrant parents and young parents. In comparison to previous 2016 surveys, the December families were more likely hidden homelessness and marginalisation from the housing market for lengthy periods of time.
Insights into Family Homelessness No.7 Survey of the families that became homeless during September 2016
This study presents key findings from a short quantitative survey conducted by telephone with 43 families who presented as homeless in the Dublin region during September 2016. Mirroring previous reports in this series, the findings in September highlight how landlords leaving the private rented sector are resulting in families becoming homeless. A quarter of all families consist of parents under the age of 25 years.
Insights into Family Homelessness No. 6 – The Growth in Family Homelessness is Beginning to Slow Down
In the second half of 2016, there was a distinct positive shift in the pattern of rising family homelessness. While the total number of families which are homeless has continued to rise, the rate of increase has slowed significantly. This commentary looks at the data available on the entries and departures of families from homelessness to explore what is driving the changing pattern. In addition, the commentary attempts to assess whether the factors behind the deceleration represent a ‘turning of the tide’ or whether there is likely to be a return to a pattern of increases
Keeping a Home: Preventing Families from Becoming Homeless
This publication presents the findings of a commissioned study of Focus Ireland's prevention services which work with families in Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Kilkenny and Waterford. The findings highlight the effectiveness of holistic supports that meet a variety of social, economic and emotional needs with which families present.
Finding a Home: Families’ Journeys out of Homelessness
To date, no research has been undertaken in an Irish context to document and understand the ways in which families exit homelessness. Little is known about the more medium-term impacts of these experiences on these families, and on the overall well-being of parents and children. This qualitative study of 25 families explored their experiences of journeying out of homelessness, whilst also considering the impact homelessness had on family life.
Food Access and Nutritional Health among Families in Homeless Emergency Accommodation
This study - which integrates interviews with families with the use of photography - explores families' everyday experiences of food routines in homeless accommodation. The analysis uncovers the negative impact homelessness has on the nutrition and health outcomes on both parents and their children. The researchers also conducted interviews with key stakeholders working in the area. This study was funded by DCYA and Department of Health.
Living in Limbo: Homeless Young People’s Paths to Housing
This publication presents key findings from a qualitative longitudinal study of youth homelessness in Ireland. It aimed to ‘track’ the flow of events and experiences that impact young people’s homeless and housing trajectories over time. It was funded across five homelessness organisations – Focus Ireland, Simon Communities, Threshold, Peter McVerry Trust and SVP – and marks a critical contribution to our understanding of youth homelessness in Ireland today.
Insights into Family Homelessness No.5 Survey of the families that became homeless during June 2016
This study presents key findings from a short quantitative survey conducted by telephone with 47 families who presented as homeless in the Dublin region during June 2016. The findings demonstrated that families entering homelessness are being squeezed out of an increasingly unaffordable private rented sector. There was a high proportion of migrant families and lone parent families, while 17 respondents reported that they became homeless due to their landlord selling the property.
Insights into Family Homelessness No.4 – Survey of the families that became homeless during March 2016
This study presents key findings from a short quantitative survey conducted by telephone with 70 families who presented as homeless in the Dublin region during March 2016. Three quarters of the sample reported that their last stable home was in the private rented sector. The majority were also in receipt of Rent Supplement during their last tenancy. The findings highlight the increased precariousness of the private rented sector for low income households. Key ‘at-risk’ groups were also identified including victims of domestic violence; migrants; and young mothers.
Insights into Family Homelessness No.3 – Are the children of families that are homeless attending DEIS schools?
This study looked at whether children in families that are homeless are attending DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) which have access to additional educational supports to tackle disadvantage. In examining all families who were allocated to Focus Ireland Family Homeless Action Team between January and November 2015, 55% of the children were found to be attending DEIS schools. This finding has policy implications with regards how non-DEIS schools can be supported to respond to families experiencing homelessness within their school community.
Insights into Family Homelessness No.1 – Children and Families living in Dublin’s Emergency Accommodation
This study analyses Focus Ireland administrative data of the families residing in emergency accommodation. Details such as the age, gender, school stage of children, as well as the family composition, distance from school, and area of residence prior to their homelessness are all identified in the report. The report offers relevant demographic information for policy-makers and service providers which offers insight into the needs of families and children residing in emergency accommodation.
2016 Focus Ireland Ethical Guidelines for Conducting Research
Focus Ireland has always recognised the importance of high-quality and robust research in understanding and informing service planning and delivery to tackling homelessness. However, this research must be conducted sensitively and responsibly. This document provides ethical guidelines for conducting research with those experiencing homelessness.
Reinvest Peer Research
This report is part of a H2020-funded European research project to promote social investment and runs from 2015-2019 across 13 countries. The Irish Re-Invest Project (based in NUI Maynooth) engaged with a core group of peer researchers who participated in all stages of the research process. Their research study explored the impact of the economic crisis in Ireland.
Insights into Family Homelessness No.2 – Survey of the Families that became Homeless during July 2015
This document presents data collected through telephone surveys with families. The findings revealed that family homelessness continues to be driven by the crisis in the private rented sector (escalating rents and landlords withdrawing from the market). The survey data also revealed the indirect routes for many families into homelessness, with many residing in ‘hidden’ living situations for prolonged periods before presenting as homeless.
‘Come back when you’re homeless’: A Study of Families becoming Homeless during April 2015
This study examines the housing journeys of 52 families who became homeless in the Dublin region during April 2015. The findings revealed the precariousness of the private rented sector in terms of affordability problems, landlord selling the property, and issues around finding alternative accommodation which accepts rent supplement. The document forwards a number of recommendations – many of which highlight the importance of prevention.
Young People, Homelessness and Housing Exclusion
The findings presented in this research are drawn from Phase 1 of a qualitative longitudinal study designed to track the experiences of homeless and ‘out of home’ young people over time. While the research privileges young people’s accounts, it makes an innovative departure from existing research on homeless youth in Ireland by including the perspectives of family members. This study was led by Dr Paula Mayock, School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin.
‘Homelessness in My New Home’: Migrants’ Experiences of Homelessness in Dublin.
This is a qualitative study of migrants who were either residing in emergency accommodation or sleeping rough. The findings demonstrate the additional barriers migrants may face in accessing critical services and social welfare support due to residency issues. Furthermore, many respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge of available services as well as language barriers.
‘Out of Reach’: The Impact of Change in Rent Supplement
This study examines the impact of Rent Supplement changes in the private rented sector in Ireland. The findings highlight the widespread practice of tenants having to ‘top up’ allocated rental supplement to meet market rents. This can result in indebtedness, arrears, and ultimately loss of accommodation.
Making a Home in Ireland: Housing Experiences of Chinese, Indian, Lithuanian & Nigerian Migrants in Blanchardstown
This study focuses on the housing experiences of four migrant groups in Blanchardstown. The research findings highlight that in order to nurture a sense of ‘home’ and belonging for migrants, it is vitally important to ensure that migrant communities have stable and adequate housing as well as access to healthcare, education and transport.
Rental Systems in Ireland: The Case for Change
This publication considers rental systems in Ireland in addressing housing need. It is based on a papers presented at policy workshops organised by Focus Ireland in collaboration with Centre for Urban and Regional Studies in Trinity College Dublin. Dr Rory O’Donnell, Professor Christine Whitehead, Simon Brooke, Daithí Downey, and Christine Dibelius all make compelling contributions to the collection.
Homeless Pathways: Developing Effective Strategies to Address Pathways Into, Through and Out of Homelessness
This in-depth qualitative study examines the homeless pathways of seventeen Focus Ireland customers in exploring their pathways into, through and possibly out of homelessness. The research takes a life course approach to explore how life events and experiences impact on homeless pathways. This analysis offers insights into strategies of prevention, particularly in relation to preventing episodic or ‘repeated’ homelessness.
Building for Inclusion? Housing Output and Part V of the Irish Planning and Development System
In this report, Simon Brooke considers whether Part V of the Planning and Development Act – i.e. the allowance for up to 20 per cent of land of new developments to be reserved for social housing – had made an impact on the provision of affordable housing. Brooke argues that the Part V housing output requires greater collaboration between local authorities and developers and identifies a number of areas where change is required.
Hickey and Downey (2003) Hungry for Change: Social Exclusion, Food Poverty and Homelessness
This report presents findings from a pilot study undertaken in 2002 and 2003 in response to a Combat Agency invitation for research proposals to examine the policy response to food poverty in Ireland. Given the often chaotic and transient nature of the lives of homeless households and individuals, the ability to consume a healthy diet on a daily basis can be severely constrained by issues of affordability and access, as well as issues of choice, food preparation, storage and cooking facilities.
Crime and Homelessness
The relationship between homelessness and crime is a complex one and one that needs further study, however, this exploratory study does show that homeless men and women perceive a relationship between these two variables and recognise that among other things substance misuse, relationship breakdown, breakdown of social and community networks, education and training disadvantage and a general inability to cope with life after prolonged periods of institutionalisation also contribute to this complex cycle of offending behaviour and homelessness.
Housing Access for All? An Analysis of Housing Strategies and Homeless Action Plans. This work was conducted by Focus Ireland, Simon Communities, Threshold and St Vincent de Paul
This analysis – which was conducted in 2001 by Focus Ireland, Simon Communities, SVP and Threshold – examined 33 housing strategies and 20 homeless action plans in Ireland. The report highlights the scale of housing need and called for increased provision of affordable housing stock to ensure the problem does not continue to worsen.
A Profile of Needs and Service Use of the Long-Term Homeless Population
This study, which combined questionnaires with Focus Ireland customers and tracking of service utilisation of a cohort of customers, demonstrated the extensive transience and multiple accommodation transitions. The study highlights that young people leaving care are institutionalised or abandoned when they age out of care system.
The Mental & Physical Health & Well-Being of Homeless Families in Dublin – A Pilot Study
This pilot study came about as a result of concern of the effects of homelessness on families and their children. The findings highlighted the negative impact homelessness has on all aspects of family life as well as health and well-being. The study calls for an integrated response to family homelessness – particularly around the provision of good-quality affordable housing and supportive services for families and children.
Focusing on B&Bs: The Unacceptable Growth of Emergency B&B Placement in Dublin
This piece of research, the second such study conducted by Focus Ireland into the use of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) as emergency accommodation in Dublin, is an example of the value of collaboration between statutory and voluntary agencies working with, and providing services for, the homeless.
B&B in Focus: The Use of Bed and Breakfast Accommodation for Homeless Adults in Dublin
This is Focus Ireland's first report into what it is like for people who are homeless in Dublin and staying in B&B's. In Dublin alone during 1991,5 households were placed by the Homeless Persons Unit of the Eastern Health Board. In 1993, 474 households were placed in B&B by the Eastern Health Board on behalf of the Dublin local authorities.