Dublin, 24th of December, 2025 – Depaul Ireland, As we reflect on the past year, the evidence is sadly overwhelming that Ireland continues to
face a homelessness crisis of historic proportions. As of late November 2025, 16,614 people in the Republic of Ireland were living in emergency accommodation, more than 5,000 of them children. In Northern Ireland, the figure stands at over 62,000. These are not just statistics. They represent a generation growing up without stability, privacy or a place to call home. This is what I describe as the theft of childhood. Ending family homelessness must be a national priority, not an accepted feature of modern Ireland.

The scale and complexity of overlapping crises mean too many children are growing up without the safety, security and tailored support they urgently need. The consequences are long-lasting and deeply troubling. Through 43 services across the island of Ireland, Depaul supports almost 10,000 people each year. Every night, we provide safe accommodation, meals, and wraparound mental health and addiction supports to around 800 people. In 2024
alone, more than 1,000 people we supported moved out of homelessness and into long-term homes. That shows what is possible when the right supports are in place.

In 2025, there were some moves in the right direction. The Government’s Housing Report brought tempered hope, and the recent launch of the EU Affordable Housing Plan is welcome. Our hope for 2026 is that these commitments are matched by clear reduction targets and concrete actions.

We remain deeply concerned by the rise in trauma, mental health challenges and addiction among the adults we work with. Division driven by hatred of others is also sadly becoming more evident on both sides of the border, impacting upon our staff and people who use our services from other parts of the world. As an organisation operating on both sides of this shared island, we see similar pressures in both jurisdictions. Many people are struggling with
suicidal thoughts, self-harm and addiction, pointing to frontline services under immense strain and systems that are failing those most in need.

Homelessness is not inevitable. With the proper support, people can and do rebuild their lives. As we look to 2026, Ireland must invest sustainably in Housing First and other housing-led solutions, expand access to specialist mental health and addiction services, and tackle root causes by accelerating housing supply, reforming welfare supports and preventing homelessness before it starts. Families and children must be at the centre of housing policy. At Depaul, we see hope every day. Our mission is to ensure everyone has a secure, affordable and decent place to call home. In 2026 we will continue working to make that a reality.

Depaul is urging the Irish public to donate now

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For media queries contact: Colette Campbell: Communications & Advocacy Depaul – colette.campbell@depaulcharity.net