More than 4,000 children supported by Focus Ireland in 2022

The report also revealed a welcome 24% increase in the number of households the charity either supported to leave homelessness or prevented from becoming homeless last year.

Among the findings of the report were:

• 1,668 families supported by services, an increase of 9% compared to 2021 (1,527)
• 4,235 children supported, an increase of 27% compared to 2021 (3,338)
• 130 homes delivered by Focus Housing Association — the charity now provides over 1400 homes in Ireland in partnership with the State.

• 613 households were supported to keep their homes, 18% rise compared to 2021 (521)

Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan said: “The number of people homeless shot up in 2022 by 27% and our staff worked harder than ever to provide vital support for families and individuals who were homeless or at risk of losing their homes. 

"This 30% rise from the previous year is due to many factors which include new services and housing developed during the year. However, it is also very clear that the main reason for the rise is that more people than ever before are now homeless or at serious risk of losing their home."

He added: "Sadly, the crisis has continued to deepen again this year as now a record total of 12,847 people are homeless. Despite the increasing numbers we must always remember that homelessness is not inevitable. There are some initiatives that could be taken now to help ease this crisis with the stroke of a pen.” 

Focus Ireland Life president and founder Sr Stanislaus Kennedy sent a strong message to the current Government. She said: "Homelessness causes terrible trauma for anyone, but it hurts children the most. 

"It is beyond shocking that over 3,800 children are homeless. As a society we must move beyond saying that it is “disappointing” to see the latest record homelessness figures each month. We must state very strongly and consistently that these numbers are unacceptable.

"We need to see far more urgency by the Government to tackle this issue and ease human suffering."

She added: “Children who are homeless are at risk of having their childhoods stolen. Our specially trained staff work extremely hard to protect families and children through our targeted support services. We help them while they are homeless and to move on to secure a home.”

Sr Stan concluded: “In the short term more action must be taken to prevent homelessness. No country has it perfect, but many are doing a better job than we are, and we have shown in the past we could deliver social housing and Ireland must do so again.”