Number of children living in emergency accommodation rises to 5,600

There has been a slight increase in the number of homeless people in the State, with 17,482 people recorded in emergency accommodation in June, including more than 5,600 children.Data published by the Department of Housing on Friday showed that during the week of June 22nd-28th there were 11,862 homeless adults and 5,620 children across 2,706 families.Of the 11,862 adults, 7,288 were single. Almost 60 per cent of homeless adults, 7,014, were men and 4,848 were women.The number of homeless adults had reduced by just two from May, but the number of children increased by 37.READ MOREA majority of homeless adults, 8,216, were in the Dublin region. The mideast followed with 636 homeless adults and 224 in the midlands. More than half of all homeless adults across the country were aged 25-44. None of these statistics include people without homes and living in domestic violence shelters, sofa surfing, living in overcrowded conditions, sleeping rough or who have permission to remain in Ireland but are stuck in International Protection accommodation as they cannot access housing.There has been a 10 per cent increase in the overall levels of homelessness in the past 12 months.Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan said: “Today’s figures are deeply worrying and show once again that the homelessness crisis is not easing. “While the small fall in May was welcome, it did not continue in June. Thousands of children are still growing up without the security and stability of a home, and that must remain the focus of urgent Government action.[ ‘Emergency response’ to homeless crisis, including possible no-fault evictions ban, needed, says committeeOpens in new window ]“I regret to say that on the frontline our services are not seeing any easing off. Our services across the country continue to see people who are under enormous pressure, including families and individuals facing no-fault eviction or unaffordable rents,” he said.“Many local authorities are saying that all their emergency beds are full, and people are being asked to wait to get a place in emergency accommodation.”Social Democrats housing spokesman Rory Hearne said: “Children now comprise 32 per cent of all homeless people. There has been a 60 per cent increase in child homelessness since Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael formed a Government in 2020.[ School holidays ‘highly challenging’ for thousands of homeless children as rates rise againOpens in new window ]“We cannot allow ourselves to become inured to these numbers – because homelessness is a tragedy that should never be normalised. In particular, the dire prospect of thousands of children starting the new school term in the coming weeks while living in cramped, unsuitable conditions is something that should shame us all.”Ber Grogan, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said: “It is unacceptable that 5,620 children are spending their summer holidays, and essentially growing up, in emergency accommodation. “Behind every one of these figures is a child whose education, wellbeing and future are being affected by the trauma and uncertainty of homelessness.”