According to the Department of Housing’s most recent data, the number of homeless persons has increased once more, with over 15,000 people seeking emergency housing, reports RTE.
In November, 15,199 persons sought emergency housing, which is 233 more than the previous month.
Additionally, the number of homeless children has slightly increased, reports RTE.
Between November 18 and November 24, 4,658 children were placed in emergency housing, a 13-percent rise over the previous month’s numbers.
According to the most recent data, there are more people in emergency housing than ever before, reports RTE.
834 of the 1,524 families who sought emergency housing in Dublin were single-parent households.
1,252 of the 2,168 families who sought emergency housing nationwide were single-parent households.
The number of homeless people housed in emergency housing that is subsidised and supervised by housing authorities during a certain count week is the subject of the Department of Housing’s official monthly homelessness statistics, reports RTE.
The new record of 15,199 homeless persons must serve as a wake-up call for the parties presently engaged in government negotiations, according to Focus Ireland.
“A harsh reminder that a Government side-stepping the issue will not be an option” is how Mike Allen, the charity’s director, described today’s numbers, reports RTE.
As temperatures fall below zero this week, he also reaffirmed the general concern for individuals who are homeless.
Mr Allen said: “Building more homes is crucial, and it is positive to see cross-party agreement on much more ambitious targets for home building. However, contrary to what most party leaders seem to think, housing supply alone will not solve the homelessness crisis. We need to prioritise and support people who are homeless into new homes,” reports RTE.
It comes after the Dublin area’s 2024 Winter Count of homeless persons revealed that Irish men between the ages of 26 and 45 made up the majority.
The Dublin Simon Community Outreach team conducted the official count for the Dublin Region Homeless Executive in all four Dublin local authorities over the week of November 4–10.
At that week, 134 persons were certified to be rough sleepers, which is 16 more than at the same time last year, reports RTE.
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