Head of homeless charity expects ‘steady growth’ in number of people becoming homeless in coming months

Chief executive of homeless charity Merchants Quay Ireland has said that she expects a “steady growth” in the number of people who become homeless in the next few months.

Paula Byrne was speaking after the national charity issued an appeal for donations to help fund its Sunday service.

Merchants Quay Ireland recently relaunched its Sunday service operation after being restricted to takeaway-only during Covid restrictions.

Running from 9am to 1:30pm every Sunday, people who avail of the service can access hot meals, a change of clothes, showers, phone chargers, needle exchange, and crisis supports.

“Since last year, homelessness in Ireland has grown by a staggering 10 per cent,” she said.

“The latest figures from the Department of Housing show we now have over 9,000 people homeless.”

Byrne says that the charity’s Sunday service is especially important for those who may be experiencing homelessness for the first time.

“In the coming months, with the lifting of eviction bans, the reality of Covid job losses setting in, as well as soaring rent prices and the cost of living continuing to rise, we are anticipating more people experiencing homelessness for the first time,” she says.

“We must remember that people don’t just become homeless during working hours.

“No matter when a person finds themselves homeless for the first time, we need to be there to guide them towards the support they need.

“Life happens in the evenings and at weekends, so safeguarding our Sunday service is more important than ever.”

William Carroll, project worker with Merchants Quay Ireland, said: “A meal can be an important stepping stone towards secure accommodation and rebuilding a life for someone experiencing the trauma of homelessness.

“These men and women may have slept out all night long, and if it’s their first time sleeping rough, they’re often scared.

“If we can get something warm inside them, offer them a shower and a change of clothes, then we can have a sit down with them and ask how they are feeling and what can we do for them.

“Like all of us, if you are warm and your belly is full, you’re much more open to a conversation than if you are freezing cold and hungry – it’s a no brainer,” he said.

Niamh Donnelly, head of services at MQI, said the charity has not discussed any potential reopening of its night cafe, which ran from 2015 before closing at the start of the pandemic, but stressed that may change in the future.

“I don’t think Merchant’s Quay would ever rule anything out.” She said:

“If we spot a gap for an evening or overnight provision we would have to make a case and set out and fundraise.”