Over 120 people died in homelessness in 2020 – report
Michael Bolton
There were 121 deaths among people living in homelessness in 2020, according to new research.
The figures, published by the Health Research Board, show an increase from the 92 deaths among homeless people reported 2019.
On average, 10 homeless people died per month in 2020.
The research found three in four deaths were male, and one in four were female. Half of the men who died were 42 or younger, while the homeless women who died were aged 36.5 or younger.
Almost all of those who died (91 per cent) had a history of substance use or dependency, and there was a high prevalence of mental health and medical conditions, the research found.
Heroin was found to be the most common drug used by those who died, noted as being used by 61 per cent.
Of those who had used substances, more than 40 per cent were also alcohol dependent.
Poisoning was the cause of nearly 60 per cent of the cases, with opioids noted as the most common drugs involved in the deaths.
Over half of the deaths occurred in Dublin, and two thirds happened in temporary/crisis accommodation.
Just under half of the deaths occurred in specific accommodation for those who were homeless, with a further one in three occurring in a public place.
The research also found that approximately 20 per cent of the women and 10 per cent of the men who died had spent time in prison.
“In 2020, we see the impact of problem substance use and mental health conditions, with the majority of those who died dealing with one or both of these issues at the time of their death,” HRB senior researcher Dr Suzi Lyons said.
“Our findings show that these cases are complex, and that a co-ordinated approach is needed between drug and alcohol treatment services, mental health supports and approaches to harm reduction.”
HRB chief executive Dr Mairead O’Driscoll added: “Behind each of these numbers is a life lost. The findings of this report highlight the very difficult situation faced by some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”
