However, Focus Ireland warned of “potential increases in the coming months” and called on the Government to reintroduce the eviction ban and rent freeze to protect people fully during COVID-19.
“In the coming weeks, we expect to see an increased demand for our support as families find themselves in financial stress and hardship,” said Kieran Stafford, National President, SVP.
‘We don’t believe that this budget protects those most vulnerable in the event of a No-Deal Brexit,’ says SVP national president Kieran Stafford.
With the numbers becoming homeless increasing every month, providers are having to run to stand still – Focus Ireland.
“The policy of the past 25 years has led to a chronic under-supply of real social housing. It has resulted in the homelessness crisis we are now experiencing,” warns Fr Peter McVerry.
“The question which is agitating the world today is a social one. It is a struggle between those who have nothing and those who have too much. It is a violent clash of opulence and poverty which is shaking the ground under our feet.” – SVP founder Frederic Ozanam.
Peter McVerry Trust believes the Government must still bring forward legislation to link rents to the Consumer Price Index before the year end.
In its Pre-Budget Submission, the SVP quotes estimate that 25-30% of the population requires support in meeting their housing needs due to low incomes and high costs in Ireland.
Peter McVerry Trust calls for “decisive action” by the Government to stem the flow of people into homelessness.
"Since Tyrrelstown everyone who is renting, even if they are keeping up with their rent, feels vulnerable."
Focus Ireland calls for five election demands to be delivered by the new Government to help end the current housing and homeless crisis.
“It seems to be almost explicit Government policy that people are expected to live below that poverty line and we see the consequences” - Mike Allen of Focus Ireland.
Package does not address the level of rent supplement and the actions of banks when they repossess the properties of buy-to-let landlords.
“Most families in hotels and B&Bs are being forced into homelessness and emergency accommodation because of huge rent increases in private rental sector" - SVP.
Jesuit concerned that the Government does not fully appreciate the scale and seriousness of the housing and homelessness crisis.
Of the 71 families referred to Focus Ireland by four Dublin authorities, 63 had never been homeless before.
411 families in emergency accommodation with 911 children according to Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE).
SVP says Social Welfare representatives dealing with rent increases do not have sufficient authority to increase rent supplement.
New figures released by Focus Ireland show the number of homeless families in Dublin alone rose to 450 over the first 11 months of this year.
It will take at least 18 months until the new plan begins to deliver the first homes for people in need.
“One family a day loses their home and becomes homeless in Dublin alone,” Sr Stan warns.
