Minister pledges further support for Cork Simon

THE Finance Minister has pledged further support to Cork Simon amid a growing demand for the charity’s services.

Michael McGrath’s comments came in the wake of the publication of the Monthly Homelessness Report for October 2023, published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which stated that 543 adults were accessing emergency accommodation in Cork during the week of October 23-29.

It marks an increase of seven people on the previous report which stated that 536 adults were accessing emergency accommodation in Cork during the week of September 18-24.

Minister McGrath met with the head of Cork Simon, Dermot Kavanagh, at the housing and homeless charity’s emergency shelter on Anderson’s Quay.

Speaking to reporters following the visit, Mr McGrath praised the work of Cork Simon, who he said are doing “remarkable work in very, very challenging circumstances”.

Asked by The Echo if the Government would provide additional funding to Cork Simon given the increased demand for its services, the Fianna Fáil TD said he will be working with Government colleagues in that regard.

“There has been additional funding provided, through Cork City Council, the Department of Housing and the HSE to support the services Cork Simon are providing in the current year and there is going to be a review of the service model next year because they are heavily dependent on fundraising," said Mr McGrath.

“As an organisation they raise in the region of €5m a year in Cork and Kerry to support the work of Cork Simon and they’re heavily dependent on that fundraising to complement the funding they get from the statutory agencies, so we will help them and we will provide further assistance to Cork Simon because they are doing extraordinary work."

“The level of demand is growing – that is a function of a number of factors, including the lack of rental accommodation, I would acknowledge that that is factor, and also the increasing complexity of cases where addiction is involved and we do have rough sleeping in our city and we need to ensure that there is a bed for everyone and Cork Simon are doing remarkable work, but they do need further support and I will work with my colleagues in Government now to make sure that we do give them further assistance to meet the needs that are there,” the Minister continued.

The Monthly Homelessness Report for October 2023, published yesterday, found that nationally homeless figures have surpassed 13,000.

A total of 9,188 adults and 3,991 children were accessing emergency accommodation last month, marking an increase of more than 350 on the previous report.

Cork Simon’s annual report for 2022, published in September, showed that it had experienced a 33% increase in the number of people it supported last year, leaving the charity with a deficit of more than €750,000.