Lack of Social Housing Options Puts More Individuals at Risk of Homelessness

A homeless person sits on the street Photo By: Media from Wix

A seven-year-old boy twists uncomfortably in his bed. He’s wary of the edge of the upper bunk as he shifts precariously, the protective railing long broken. He glances at the wall next to him that is engraved with tally lines, a stark reminder of the days he has spent tossing and turning just as he does now.

On the lower berth lies his mother. As she hears the rough drag of her son’s nail against the wall as he adds another line, it occurs to her that a year has passed. She desperately searches for a solution to rescue her son and herself from the helplessness. But when the sun rises, she’s resigned to her fate.

As of September 2024, over 14,000 individuals face the dire situation of homelessness as residents of emergency accommodation. Of this concerning number 4,561 of the homeless are children and 2,133 families. These figures reflect a 15% rise in homelessness from 2023. The most vulnerable groups are 18–24-year-olds and the LGBTQ+ community, who are often left stranded due to their identity. A prolonged period of homelessness also has devastating effects on mental health, often pushing people into the cruel clutches of addiction and substance abuse.

“Usually, families spend only spend a few weeks at an emergency shelter before they are allotted a social housing or a more stable accommodation,” assessed Conor Culkin, Communications Officer at Focus Ireland, “But recently, Focus has seen an overflow of housing tenants in the shelters. There just isn’t enough space now and we need the government’s support as soon and as much as possible.”

Conor Culkin, Communications Officer for Focus Ireland   Photo Credit: Thu Tra Tran, Griffith College

Focus Ireland is the leading non-profit organization and approved housing body that works towards helping the homeless and providing essential services and affordable social housing options to ones in need. Ina recent press release, they expressed concern about the staggering increase in homelessness in the country, emphasising the lack of resources and the falling government input towards the crisis.

The upcoming general election, according to Focus, allows the new government a chance to adopt a novel and more efficient housing policy to increase the number of allocated resources for the homeless, the most pivotal being the construction of more social housing options.

Conor points out that the Housing Commission report, containing approximately 80 recommendations on housing, has been ignored by the government so far. He goes on to say that the report needs to be central in formulating safeguarding policies to protect the homeless and those at risk of the fact. He also emphasised the need for the upcoming government to work closely in collaboration with the homeless sector to maximise efficiency.

In 2021, Ireland, alongside her EU member states, signed the Lisbon Declaration that aimed at reducing or combatting homelessness by 2030.

When asked about the projected outcomes of the housing crisis in Ireland in relation to the declared 2030 target, Conor remained hopeful despite the obvious and concerning hiccups in the current time.

“With 5 years to go, the target is very much achievable because where there’s a will, there’s a way, and I am positive that our government deeply cares for the people of Ireland.”

If you or anyone you know are at risk of homelessness or require urgent help, visit https://www.focusireland.ie/get-help/advice-and-information/ to get in touch with the organization.