Homeless figures in Dublin surpass 10,000 for the first time 

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Homeless figures in Dublin surpass 10,000 for the first time 

Dublin, 28th March 2024:  

Shocking homeless figures released today show that the number of people in emergency accommodation nationally continues to grow month on month, reaching a record high of 10,100 in our capital city, with 203 more people seeking shelter in Dublin in February than in January.   

73% of all affected people nationally are in Dublin, equating to 1,457 families, 3,165 children, and 4,419 single adults.  

These figures do not include those rough sleeping, domestic violence refugees, and those on our streets seeking asylum.    

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon, reflecting on the latest statistics states, “The latest unrelenting climb in figures now means that Dublin alone now has over 10,000 men, women and children in homelessness – surpassing the figure for the entire population of Ireland in homelessness from just under two years ago. This is a devastating figure for our capital city. As the clocks move forward this weekend, spare a thought for those for whom time stands still.” 

“The longer days and shorter nights should not detract from the pressing need to adapt the housing system and accompanying strategies to better cater to the specific requirements those in the grip of homelessness. Behind the numbers are real people, real families, and real children worrying about where they will spend their nights. Each statistic represents a life in turmoil, a family facing uncertainty, a child robbed of stability. 

“At Dublin Simon Community we believe it is our responsibility to shine a light on the unfairness of a housing system where people live in limbo around the basic human right to security and shelter. In the last 6-12 months we have seen a steady stream of presentations of people looking for accommodation, coupled with a steep drop off in available social housing.  We call upon and will keep calling upon policymakers, community leaders, and the Government to rectify this situation and commit to building a more just and compassionate future for all. Let us harness the spirit of renewal and hope that Spring symbolises to reinvigorate our efforts towards a society where homelessness is not just reduced, but eradicated.”