Record-breaking homelessness as over 15,000 access emergency accommodation
4,658 Facing Are Without Families A 2,168 Christmas 10,541 Who Into Includes This Home Children Adults, With And
There were 15,199 people recorded as homeless in Ireland at the end of November, the highest figure ever recorded.
This includes 10,541 adults, and 2,168 families with 4,658 children who are facing into Christmas without a home.
In October, the number of people using emergency accommodation was at 14,966.
Charities have now called on the incoming government to prioritise homelessness.
"As the nation awaits the formation of the next government, it is imperative that solving the homelessness crisis remains at the top of the political agenda," said Dublin Simon Community.
CEO Catherine Kenny said: "Between the election campaign and the government formation talks, our politicians have spent the last couple of months outlining what they see as the best way forward for our country. While we have listened to numerous promises, a simple fact remains: there are now over 15,000 people in emergency accommodation across the country, 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."
She added: "The time for political debate is over. 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.”
More to follow...