Number of people accessing emergency accommodation above 15,000 for first time

The number of people accessing emergency accommodation has gone above 15,000 for the first time since records began.

The Department of Housing’s official figures indicate that 15,199 people accessed emergency accommodation in November, comprising 4,658 children and 2,168 families.

The numbers exclude those sleeping rough, refugees in direct provision centres, people in domestic violence shelters, and those sleeping in cars or on couches.

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Charities said homelessness was causing "untold damage" to people and that the figures should serve as a "wake-up call".

Focus Ireland director Mike Allen said that the new record number of people living "though the misery of homelessness" was "a harsh reminder that a government side-stepping the issue will not be an option".

"What we must always remember is that it is possible to end homelessness, and the government must lead on this," he added.

"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."

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," she said.

"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."

Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne said it represented a "grim milestone" and called for a no-fault evictions ban to be implemented.

Mr Hearne said the figures showed a 76 per cent increase in child homelessness during the last government’s term in office – increasing from 2,653 in June 2020 to 4,658.

"A single child becoming homeless is unacceptable during successive years of budget surpluses," he said.

"However, having thousands of homeless children is incomprehensible and scandalous.

"Having more than 15,000 people homeless is a grim milestone and a damning indictment of failed housing policy by successive governments."

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