Homeless charity Depaul has said that while there has been a slight drop in the number of people experiencing homelessness, the figures remain troubling. The latest statistics were released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government last night (Tuesday).
The Homeless Report shows that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Republic now stands at 10,148 – a drop of 123 on January’s figures. The report also shows a fall in the number of adults experiencing homelessness by 83 to 6,614 and families by one to 1,610.
However, the number of children who have no home increased by 40 from January with the number now at 3,534.
Reacting to the latest figures Depaul – the cross-border charity working in homelessness and homeless prevention – said the figures remain troubling.
Depaul Chief Executive David Carroll said that “all our efforts are being put into protecting the most vulnerable at this time.
“The homeless figures remain troubling however, at this time of uncertainty all our focus and energy is being directed into keeping people safe,” he said.
Mr Carroll warned that collaboration is vital in tackling the issue. “we have been working extremely hard with the HSE [Health Service Executive] and the DRHE [Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive] and other statutory agencies all with the aim of protecting the most vulnerable in our society.
“We have reacted by setting up both cocooning and isolation units and we will continue to adapt to this ever-changing crisis,” he said.
Depaul has a total of 30 services offering support under five key pillars: prevention, high support accommodation, health and rehabilitation, families and young people and housing. The charity has helped over 4,000 men, women and children since 2018.