Dublin Simon Community Statement on August 2024 Homeless Report
No Key, No Home, No line of sight: Homelessness Continues to Climb as Budget 2025 Looms
Preliminary Budget Discussions Lack Vision in Addressing the Crisis
Latest figures released today by the Department of Housing reveal record numbers of people in emergency accommodation, with 14,486 nationally and 10,481 in Dublin, marking a 13% year-on-year increase in the capital. This comes as conversations surrounding next week’s Budget show a lack of vision and little movement towards increased investment in social policies to address the crisis.
The total for Dublin includes 1,467 families, 3,273 children, and 4,664 single adults. These figures, however, do not account for those rough sleeping, individuals in domestic violence shelters, refugees, or asylum seekers on our streets.
“We wonder if those without a home will really be any better off after Budget Day. Promised electricity or rent relief won’t make a difference to these people without a key to their own front door”, says Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, expressing deep concern over the lack of concrete action ahead of Budget 2025.
“Despite a slight decrease in Dublin over the last month, these figures over the last number of years, show no sign of slowing down, and with winter approaching, things will only get worse. The truth is that people experiencing homelessness don’t have a line of sight towards a home. If we don’t see real investment in preventative measures, increased funding for homeless services, and clear directives to prioritise social housing for the long-term vulnerable, this crisis will continue to spiral.”
Kenny added: “Dublin Simon Community is at the forefront of the homelessness crisis, taking care of thousands of people every day and night, through our different teams—emergency accommodation, street outreach, and treatment services. It is gruelling work, and it is deeply disappointing to see that despite all our efforts, the numbers are only increasing every month, with no meaningful change in sight.”
The Path Forward
Kenny emphasised that Dublin Simon will continue to advocate for decisive action, with a clear message that Budget 2025 must include the following:
- Additional funding for prevention: We need to invest in funding services that keep people from falling into homelessness in the first place and ensure the rental market is secure and available to rent.
- Prioritisation for long-term homeless and vulnerable individuals in social housing allocations: Those who have been trapped in emergency accommodation need to be at the forefront in availing of social housing.
- A 30% increase in the homeless Budget: Substantial support and investment need to be given to those in long-term homelessness and to priority support services to tackle homelessness head on.
Kenny underscored the urgent need for these changes: “With only 65 single adults on average exiting homelessness into permanent housing each month in Dublin, against a monthly average of 177 entering homelessness for the first time, it is evident that we’re not addressing the root causes of the issue. The August figures mark the end of a summer period where homeless numbers typically are on a low trajectory. Considering seasonal statistics, we expect a sharp steady and alarming increase in these figures as the weather changes. Without a serious commitment in Budget 2025, this situation will once again play out unchecked over the winter season.”