Homeless numbers in Cork up 32% in year
A Cork Simon spokesperson says the Government’s strategy for dealing with the homelessness crisis does not appear to be working.
Government figures for July show that 328 adults were homeless in Cork, an increase of 32% in 12 months and an increase of 59% in 24 months.
Looking at the South West region (Cork and Kerry) shows that there are 95 families in emergency accommodation, a slight increase on June when there was 93.
The figures also show that 255 children were homeless in July, compared to 257 in June.
This represents a total increase of 78% in 12 months and 298% in two years.
The trends also reveal that more homeless people are living in Private Emergency Accommodation, normally hotels and B&B’s, than in emergency shelters.
This has been the case for seven consecutive months, indicating that the need for emergency accommodation far outstrips capacity.
Spokesperson for Cork Simon, Paul Sheehan, said that the figures demonstrate that people continue to be pushed into homelessness as a direct result of the housing crisis.
“People simply cannot find a home they can afford,” Mr Sheehan said.
The Cork Simon spokesperson also said that too many people remain stuck in emergency accommodation for far too long.
“Beds aren’t being freed-up for people that need them. This has been the case now for well over three years with month-on-month increases to the number of people seeking help.”
Mr Sheehan said that the Government’s strategy for dealing with the homelessness crisis does not appear to be working.
“Two years since the launch of the Government’s response to homelessness was rolled-out – Rebuilding Ireland, there’s little evidence that the plan is working.
“Rents in the Private Rented Sector remain at record high levels while supply remains at an all-time low.
“The State is relying for the most part on the Private Rented Sector for social housing provision and the rate of house builds remains far too low to have any meaningful impact on the number of people homeless.
“Housing is a basic need. People deserve much better.”
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