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Homeless

First rise in homeless figures since January

The homeless numbers increased to 8,728 in July, up from 8,699 in June. In July, there were 2,651 children in 1,142 families homeless, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.

2020.09.01.

Homeless charities get on their bikes thanks to An Post recycling scheme

"The bikes donated by An Post will certainly help us provide food parcels for up to 1,400 people," said Fr Seán Donohoe of the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin.

2020.08.22.

Focus Ireland fears surge in homelessness under new legislation

Homeless figures had passed 10,000 in January 2020 but in June they were down to 8,699, which is 177 less than in May. Of the 8,699 people accessing emergency accommodation in June, 6,046 were adults and 2,653 dependents. There were 1,159 families in emergency accommodation.

2020.08.07.

Sign up for ‘Virtual Camino’ to raise real money to help the homeless

"As you log your distance, you will also receive updates about which town you are approaching next, recipes on typical meals along the way, related books, films, podcasts and playlists to keep you in the Camino spirit!" says Laura Hoban of Focus Ireland.

2020.07.25.

Trócaire Lenten box cover girl is back at home thanks to you!

There is a remarkable success story about last year’s Trócaire collection box, which featured a Ugandan girl, Patricia, on its cover.

The pretty eight-year-old was chosen as a ‘poster child’ for the Catholic overseas development aid agency’s 2019 Lenten fundraising because of the plight in which she and her family found [...]

2020.06.28.

More homeless people housed as Airbnb market hit by COVID-19

Focus Ireland and its partners have moved 80 families with 150 children out of homelessness since the start of the COVID-19 restrictions, while the Peter McVerry Trust has housed 26 people since the virus struck and expects more to move soon.

2020.05.04.

Archbishop drops-in to Simon Community hostel in Armagh

It was humbling to visit Simon Armagh to offer our support and to speak and pray with the residents and staff, says Archbishop Martin.

2020.04.26.

Food banks and other Catholic social services remain operational in Dublin

“I am extremely proud of the way the team in Crosscare have responded to the crisis,” said Conor Hickey, director of Crosscare.

2020.04.12.

Pope Francis talks to The Tablet about COVID-19 pandemic

Pontiff pays tribute to the “saints who live next door” describing the doctors, volunteers, religious sisters, priests and shop workers who continue to perform their duty as “heroes”.

2020.04.09.

Accuracy of Irish homeless stats questioned

The January homeless figures were back up to 10,271 after a one-month dip in December 2019.

2020.03.03.

Lower homeless figures need further analysis, says Focus Ireland

There were month-on-month decreases across all demographic and accommodation categories represented in the Department of Housing’s reports.

2020.02.20.

Man left with “life-changing injuries” after vehicle hoisted his tent

Fr Peter McVerry said it is because of their safety and comradeship that so many people who are homeless elect to live in tents.

2020.01.17.

Funeral Mass celebrated for murdered man from homeless community in Cork

“The next homeless person we meet, we might treat them with a little more sympathy and kindness. For whatever we do to the least of our sisters and brothers, we do it to Jesus” – Fr Howard.

2020.01.10.

Annual Wexford fast raises €51,000 for local charities

The annual fast began twenty-eight years ago and has since raised an estimated €750,000 for worthy causes.

2019.12.28.

Unwanted presents can be given to Crosscare at Pro Cathedral in Dublin

Crosscare will give unwanted items to people living with very little, as well as the homeless.

2019.12.28.

SVP appeals for books for children

Just ten minutes a day of reading with children of all ages can help create readers for life and make a crucial difference to their future.

2019.11.13.

Difficulties in education can contribute to homelessness, report finds

The research allows the Peter McVerry Trust to move beyond anecdotal reports from young men who use homeless services about how they fared in the education system and it will help influence the future education strategies of the State.

2019.11.07.

Time to change flawed housing policy, says SVP

"It is totally unacceptable for a rich country like Ireland that so many children have no place to call home,” said SVP National President Kieran Stafford.

2019.11.02.

An Post Mobile helps homeless

Although many of Ireland’s homeless have phones, few can afford data all the time.

2019.10.31.

Number of homeless increases again

According to the Department of Housing’s figures there are 3,848 homeless children across 1,726 families, while the total number of homeless reached 10,338 in August 2019.

2019.10.02.

More families and children homeless in July

There has been a failure to stem the flow of families and individuals into homelessness every month, says Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan.

2019.09.10.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin calls in on Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless

Every day the Capuchin Centre meets the tragic human casualties of failed government policies, says Bro Kevin Crowley OFM.

2019.08.27.

Calls for review of policy to tackle homeless crisis

“A review should look at both the successes and the things that need to change ... This includes actively building social housing, taxing those who hoard building land and better protecting the rights of tenants facing eviction” – Mike Allen.

2019.08.07.

Trócaire condemns Israeli policy of destroying Palestinian homes

“Demolitions in Sur Baher serve only to undermine the human rights of Palestinians and jeopardise hopes for long-term peace and a two-state solution.”

2019.07.27.

Another increase in homelessness

“The electorate want this problem solved, believes it can be solved but does not believe any party has yet put forward the solutions that are needed to solve it. It is up to the newly elected councillors to show what can be done” – Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland.

2019.05.30.

Another increase in homelessness in March

Focus Ireland stressed that much good work is being done but the crisis will continue without a substantial increase in social housing provision as a matter of urgency and a move away from providing yet more emergency accommodation and hubs.

2019.05.01.

Ecumenical Way of the Cross highlights sufferers and their carers

Those who need support and those who provide support are foremost in our thoughts, says Catholic Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy.

2019.04.19.

Needs of homeless non-EU citizens must be addressed

Commenting on the DRHE plan, the Immigrant Council of Ireland stated: “It is so important to be careful with language – just because a family is non-EU does not mean they don’t have legal status or housing rights. Everyone has a right to shelter.”

2019.04.03.

A very green St Patrick’s Day message from President Higgins for 2019

“On this special day let us renew our commitment to equality, social justice and care for all our vulnerable people, so many of whom continue to struggle for the very necessities of life.”

2019.03.16.

Inflammatory homeless comments are a distraction says Focus Ireland

“Solving homelessness is not a matter of moving people between sofa surfing, hotel rooms and Hubs, it is about providing an adequate supply of affordable, secure homes, with support where needed,” said Mike Allen.

2019.02.27.
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