Homelessness at Breaking Point: Will This Election Deliver Change?
A fragmented approach has failed—this crisis needs a bold, unified Government response.
As voters head to the polls today, housing and homelessness take centre stage in an election dominated by these critical issues.
Homeless figures released today show 406 people in emergency accommodation are in the North-East region, equating to 70 families, 150 children, and 160 single adults across counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.
These figures, however, do not account for those rough sleeping, individuals in domestic violence shelters, refugees, or asylum seekers on our streets. These figures also exclude those in hidden homelessness: people sleeping in cars, staying with friends, on sofas, or in unsuitable conditions.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community, said: “For many at the ballot box, today’s election will be a referendum on how the housing crisis has been managed. Thousands of people are experiencing homelessness, and countless more are at risk of joining them. The real test for the next Government will be reducing these numbers—not by simply managing homelessness but by moving people from emergency accommodation and the streets into social or affordable homes.
“What we have been seeing is departments working in silos: Housing, Health, Social Protection, and Integration to mention a few. Whoever forms the next Government needs to recognise the multifaceted nature of the homelessness issue, and the only way to address it is through a cross-government approach. Homelessness is a crisis, and it needs to be treated like one. We are calling for transformative solutions that prioritise prevention, affordable housing, and tailored support for the most vulnerable.”
Expectations for the Next Government
Dundalk Simon Community has outlined key expectations for the incoming Government:
Reduce homelessness: Deliver a year-on-year reduction in people entering emergency accommodation.
Move people into homes: Ensure social and affordable housing targets result in tangible move-ons for individuals and families.
Strengthen prevention services: Prioritise measures to keep people from entering homelessness in the first place.
“Thousands of people will wake up tomorrow on our streets or in emergency accommodation, still waiting for solutions from those elected today,” Kenny added. “Dundalk Simon teams will continue to work day and night to provide shelter and support to help those in need, but what we need to see from our leaders is a commitment to structural change and long-term investment.”
A Call to Action
The demands on emergency accommodation will increase as temperatures drop this winter. Despite supporting men, women and children each night in its services, Dundalk Simon cannot meet the growing need alone. Kenny emphasised:
“We all know someone—whether a friend, family member or colleague—who has struggled with rising rents or faced housing insecurity. Voters today must ask themselves: Who will deliver more social and affordable housing? Who will prioritise prevention measures? Who will provide the necessary resources for charities like Dundalk Simon to support those most in need?”
As the country waits for a new Dáil to take shape, Dundalk Simon Community remains steadfast in its mission to support those experiencing homelessness. However, the onus now lies on the incoming Government to deliver on the promises made during the campaign.
