Homeless Figures Hit a Grim New High with a 100% Increase in Numbers in Emergency Accommodation in Seven Years 

Dublin, 27th October 2023: The number of people in emergency accommodation has increased by 100% in a seven-year period, hitting a new high and marking another grim milestone as today’s figures represent twice the official numbers from 2016.

Dublin Simon Community says it is fearful of what lies ahead this winter as the number of people in emergency accommodation continues its inexorable rise at a time when people are facing into the coldest and most expensive time of the year.

The number of people living in emergency accommodation in September were released by the Department of Housing this afternoon and showed that in the Dublin region alone there were 9391 adults and children – 1.3 % more than the previous month, and an increase of 21% over the same period in 2022.

Dublin Simon CEO, Catherine Kenny, said: “These grim statistics come as we are facing the most difficult months of the year where we traditionally see an increase in people entering homelessness.  I am fearful of what is yet to come this winter as there is no indication that the numbers of people entering homelessness is going to decline any time soon.

“In June 2016 just over 6,350 people were homeless nationally, we are now in a situation where it is 100% higher than just seven years ago.  The figures in Dublin alone are now higher than national figures in 2016, these are the kind of grim records that we need to put behind us.

“With the recent announcement of a budget that did little for people facing the reality of homelessness, we are in a situation where only the sustained delivery of housing and tailored supports can truly end the threat and the experience of homelessness for so many people in Ireland.”

ENDS