Dundalk Simon Community says emergency accommodation situation 'incomprehensible'
Calls on those in power to finally tackle the problem of homelessness
CEO of Dundalk Simon Community, Catherine Kenny, has said that it "is incomprehensible that we have gotten to the point where this many people are trapped in emergency accommodation" and has called on those in power to finally tackle the problem of homelessness with the necessary tenacity to turn the crisis around.
Latest homeless figures show that there was yet another rise in the number of people accessing emergency accommodation in Louth, and the North East region, including a rise in the number of families with children.
Dundalk Simon Community said that the highest homeless figures of all time show the homelessness crisis will continue to deteriorate without concrete action, and is calling on those in power to finally tackle the problem of homelessness with the necessary tenacity to turn the crisis around.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community, said: “As we mark the beginning of a new year, we must face the homelessness crisis with renewed energy. We cannot allow the situation to worsen for yet another year.
"It is incomprehensible that we have gotten to the point where this many people are trapped in emergency accommodation. We must put an end to record-breaking statistics and deliver workable solutions for the human beings whose lives have been upturned.”
She added: “Just before Christmas, we were able to give a number of our clients keys to their forever homes. Words cannot describe what this moment meant to them. For many, this represented years of struggling come to an end. At long last, they found a piece of stability.
"We want every person currently stuck in emergency accommodation to have this same feeling, to know that the nightmare has finally come to an end. The Government must address the ever-swelling numbers in emergency accommodation.
"This can be achieved through collaboration with approved housing bodies to deliver the social housing that is so badly needed. Every person deserves the safety, stability and dignity of a place to call home.”
Dundalk Simon Community is calling on Government and local authorities to:
- prioritise immediate housing allocations for long-term emergency residents;
- accelerate the delivery of social and affordable homes in line with the national strategy;
- introduce a coordinated, cross-departmental framework to tackle homelessness as the multi-layered crisis it is.
To support Dundalk Simon's work or to learn more, visit www.dundalksimon.ie/