What do we mean by “homelessness”?
Homelessness is more than not having a roof over your head. It is about not having shelter or security, not belonging to a community, and not having privacy.
It can mean carrying your belongings around with you in a bag because you have nowhere to leave them where they will be safe.
- The most visible form of homelessness is that of “sleeping rough” in doorways, parks, on derelict sites and in abandoned cars. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg.
- The “invisible” homeless live in emergency accommodation: shelters, hostels, refuges and bed and breakfast accommodation or even on the sofas of friends.
- Sometimes, because of a lack of alternative options, people have to live long-term in such accommodation.
- Other groups at risk include those living in institutions. Often, young people who are brought up in care are likely to become homeless because they have no resources or family support when they leave care.
- Prisoners and long-term psychiatric patients are another group who are vulnerable to becoming homeless.
- Tenants at the lower end of the private rented market who have to endure substandard housing conditions are constantly at risk of eviction and faced with the possibility of becoming homeless.
What are the causes of homelessness?
Homelessness is not an isolated issue but occurs as part of a range of other social problems: inadequate income, poor physical or mental health lack of education, unemployment, addiction.
It is part of a complex process which can be caused by a combination of a lack of access to economic resources and affordable housing, and personal life crises such as mental illness, bereavement or marital breakdown.
How many people are homeless in Ireland?
- There are 6000 estimated people homeless in Ireland.
- Over 2000 are in Dublin.
- There are twice as many males than females experiencing homelessness.
- At least 220 families with children U18 were experiencing homelessness in Dublin in 2005.
- In March 2008 there were 110 rough sleepers reported in Dublin.
- 41% of these children were under the age of 5.
Our Services
Dublin Simon Community offers 13 services throughout the stages of homelessness. These range from emergency and treatment to supported housing and settlement. » »
