Depaul comments on Homeless figures

Homeless figures reach record for fourth month in a row

Wednesday, 29th May. Today saw the release of the homeless figures by the Department of Housing which revealed that a total of 10,378 people accessed emergency accommodation in the month of April. The figures show an increase in the numbers when compared with the previous month. The figures represented another record number. The fourth in as many months.

It showed there was 6,584 adults experiencing homelessness in Irleand and 3,794 children. A total of 1,729 families were also recorded as homeless. The number of adults grew by 100 with both children and families experiecning a slight drop.

Depaul CEO Kerry Anthony commented on the figures;

"The increase in those experiencing homelessness, the fourth in as many months, shows that something is still very wrong in the way we are dealing with homelessness. We know house building is the real solution but in the interim we need to take measures that stop people entering homelessness."

"Depaul recently launched our awareness campaign 'Real Doors of Dublin' highlighting the on-going homelessness and rough sleeper crisis. We are urging people to stay sympathetic to those experiencing homelessness. There is a danger with such high numbers that the public may see homelessness as an issue that cannot be solved. That homelessness is simply part of everyday life. This cannot happen."

ENDS

For further reference contact;

Depaul Media Communications Officer Seán Ellis at

sean.ellis@depaulcharity.net; 01 453 7111 of 086 383 2198