A leading Irish charity has called on the government to take urgent measures to ensure that no one over the age of 65 is homeless.
Focus Ireland has launched the online petition after the latest figures from the Department of Housing showed that there were 119 people over 65 years old living in emergency accommodation in February 2018, a 40% increase on the February 2016 figure of 85.
Report
The charity has requested that each regional authority prepares a report on the level and causes of older people’s homelessness in their area, and to prepare support plans for each older homeless person.
“It is shameful for our government and society that we have seen a 40% rise in the number of people over 65 who are homeless,” said Focus Ireland’s director of advocacy, Mike Allen.
“Every man, woman and child should have a place they can call home, and the housing and homeless crisis is hitting the most vulnerable people throughout our society,” he added.