In January there were 7,167 people registered as homeless, 2,407 of whom were children.

There are 13 empty homes for every homeless adult in our cities.

There is still much work to be done if we are to end this homeless crisis – Ashley Balbirnie, CEO Focus Ireland.

“We want to be, and believe we can be, the first generation that ends homelessness in Ireland,” said Mark Hartery, a 16-year-old secondary student.

During 2016, Crosscare, the social care agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin, provided 127,750 bed nights to over 1,600 people in six residences for people experiencing homelessness in the capital.

‘Healthy’ and ‘holy’ unease thinking of those suffering at Christmas challenges believers to open their hearts to people in need – the homeless and refugees, says Bishop of Kilmore.

“Ireland has an international commitment to spend 0.7 percent of national income on helping the world’s poorest people, yet this budget will bring us further from this commitment” – Trócaire.

Irish bishops appeal to Catholics to pray for protection of human life from conception till death and call on government to “prioritise the needs of low income families, and target resources towards social housing and the homeless” in budget 2017.

671 families with 1,257 children have become homeless in Dublin in the first eight months of 2016.

In a new one-hour television documentary ‘Peter McVerry: A view from the Basement’, which will air on RTÉ One tonight, the Jesuit priest tells the Government, “We ignore the drug problem at our peril.”

Focus Ireland annual report highlights deepening housing crisis. "The risk of children being forced to sleep rough with their families for want of an emergency bed is now an every night reality."

Fr Peter McVerry appeals for emergency legislation to prevent the banks and landlords from evicting families, particularly those with children, into homelessness.

Promising start during Govt's first 100 days in office must now be followed with concrete action, children’s charity warns.

But many of the commitments are "unclear, with no timescale or finances named" says Focus Ireland.

Peter McVerry Trust calls for compulsory purchase of vacant buildings in private ownership.

"I think they are living the gospel of Jesus, the gospel message of caring and compassion, even though they may not be coming to church.”

A moratorium on house repossessions is long overdue according to Fr Pat Cogan OFM otherwise housing demand will continue to outstrip supply.

It makes no sense to put a family in the homeless services or inappropriate accommodation when there is a house that could be used while the new house is being developed.

Bru Aimsir in Dublin, which has been full every night since it opened in December, catering for 100 people, is to close this week.

We cannot think of Patrick - the captive, the slave in exile, the undocumented, the migrant - without acknowledging the enormous humanitarian challenges facing so many.

“It is an outrage that National Women’s Council has no track record in fighting for safe and secure accommodation for homeless expectant mothers”- PLC.

The actor, who has worked on behalf of the homeless for over 10 years, plays the part of a homeless man in his latest film 'Time Out Of Mind'.

Hierarchy focus on five key election issues: housing crisis, education, crime, healthcare, right to life and refugee crisis.

If an unborn child has a life-limiting condition, it would be “inhumane to withdraw the protection of the Constitution to their right to life”.

Challenges for next government include the inadequacy of some services in hospitals & disability facilities, reduced pay, child poverty, homelessness & crime levels.

“It is important for every candidate seeking our vote in the coming weeks to understand the appalling extent of child poverty rates in Ireland" - Barnardos.

Irish actor announced as the campaign ambassador for Radio Nova's 2016 ‘Help Our Homeless Radiothon’ in aid of Focus Ireland.

“It is important that both politicians and the electorate think about the profoundly damaging impact the housing & homelessness crisis is having on so many."

“Our solidarity with one another, and especially with those in the greatest need, is an expression of who we are as the people of a merciful God.”

“A strategy is needed to ensure that every household and family in Ireland has an income which is adequate to meet their needs."