For the first time since statistics have been kept, more than 15,000 individuals have sought emergency housing, reports Breaking News.
Official data from the Department of Housing shows that 15,199 individuals—including 2,168 families and 4,658 children—received emergency housing in November.
Those sleeping on the streets, refugees in direct assistance facilities, victims of domestic abuse, and those sleeping on sofas or in automobiles are not included in the figures, reports Breaking News.
According to charities, the statistics should be seen as a “wake-up call” since homelessness is causing “untold damage” to individuals.
The new record number of individuals living “through the misery of homelessness” is “a harsh reminder that a government side-stepping the issue will not be an option,” according to Mike Allen, director of Focus Ireland, reports Breaking News.
“What we must always remember is that it is possible to end homelessness, and the government must lead on this. We strongly believe there is a moral duty to ensure that the right policies are put in place to help ease this terrible human crisis and then move to end it,” he added, reports Breaking News.
The Dublin Simon Community said the figures showed a 10 per cent increase in homelessness in the capital, which holds half of the total number of homeless families, children, and single adults.
Chief executive Catherine Kenny said more than 15,000 people in emergency accommodation was “a number previously thought inconceivable”.
“As each number continues to shatter the record made by the last, the term crisis begins to lose all meaning. The incoming government must act decisively and urgently to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Words are not enough – now is the time for tangible action,” she said, reports Breaking News.
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