Over 105 people in Waterford facing homelessness this Christmas as Focus Ireland launches appeal

Focus Ireland has revealed that it has helped 94 families in Waterford during 2024 as the charity issues its Christmas appeal.

The charity says it has worked harder than ever this year to support families who were homeless or at risk of losing their home. 

According to the latest figures from the Department of Housing, there are currently 105 adults in emergency accommodation in the county and 97 children homeless in the south east. 

Focus Ireland has issued an urgent appeal for donations as record numbers of children and families face Christmas without a home. 

Over 14,966 people including 4,645 children across the country will spend the festive season in emergency accommodation. 

The charity's 'Children Can't Wait' appeal seeks to rally support for those affected by homelessness and raise awareness of the urgent need for safe, stable housing. The campaign aims to raise €1.3 million during the period.

Focus Ireland said that now many families are facing the distressing reality of 'hidden homelessness', staying in unsuitable and often unsafe accommodation. 

Commenting on the appeal, the CEO of Focus Ireland, Pat Dennigan, said: "We believe that every child deserves a place to call home, especially during Christmas. Unfortunately the reality is that there are 4,645 children facing Christmas in emergency accommodation or, worse, living in hidden homelessness.

"That’s more than four and a half thousand young lives interrupted, facing obstacles they should never have to face, and it is heart breaking to know that some of these children are just new born babies and will be spending their first ever Christmas experiencing homelessness."

The CEO explained that homelessness has risen a staggering 47% since February 2020, with a 34% increase in family homelessness and a 31% increase in child homelessness in the same period. 

He added: "We now have almost 15,000 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland. It’s a number that should make us stop and think, but it’s also a number that inspires us to act."

Since 2021, the charity has helped more than 1,550 families leave homelessness, more than one family a day for each day of the past three years. 

Donations to Focus Ireland’s Christmas appeal will go directly towards supporting families facing homelessness, providing emergency accommodation, housing advice, and long-term housing solutions.

The charity says: "Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling this festive season."

To donate or to find out more about Focus Ireland’s Christmas appeal, you can visit www.focusireland.ie or contact them by phone on 018815900 or email help@focusireland.ie.