Slight decline in the number of rough sleepers this spring

The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) Spring count found that 83 people were sleeping rough across the county.

The count was carried out between March 6 and March 12 and the figure represents a reduction of eight people compared to the same period last year.

The count was organised by the DRHE and carried out by the Dublin Simon Community Outreach Team with support from the Peter McVerry Trust.

“Staff in all four Dublin local authorities and An Garda Síochána provided additional information about people who were rough sleeping, especially those in isolated areas,” DRHE says.

“Of the 83 people met rough sleeping, 75 (90 percent) had previously been assessed by the DRHE for homeless services, and the remaining eight persons were being actively engaged with by the Outreach Team to be assessed by homeless services.”

The majority of the people found sleeping rough were male, Irish and aged between 26 and 45 with 48 percent using tents and 52 percent not using tents.

Eighteen people were found sleeping rough in both Spring 2023 and Winter 2022 counts.

“A number of these are being targeted for a Housing First response, which will provide them with permanent housing and visiting supports to help them sustain their home,” DRHE says.

“In the Spring 2023 count, 36 individuals (48 percent) accessed emergency accommodation during the week.

“The majority (97 percent) of rough sleepers had accessed emergency accommodation at some stage prior to the count week.”

Chief executive of Dublin Simon Community, Catherine Kenny said in a statement that while the charity welcomes the reduction in the number of people sleeping rough, “the number of people sleeping out on the city’s streets is still far too high.

“Nobody should have to sleep rough, and our Outreach team will continue to engage with those who remain to?provide housing options, referral to critical treatment services,?address barriers to accepting accommodation, and advocate on their behalf with partners across the sector.”

Kenny says that the need for more emergency accommodation is only rising.

“Furthermore, while rough sleeping is declining, the number of people in emergency accommodation continues to climb.

“People are also spending far longer in emergency accommodation because there are no social or affordable homes available for them.

“Sheltered accommodation is safer than rough sleeping, but nowhere is safer than inside your own front door.

“If you see someone in need of support, the Dublin Outreach team are on the street from 7am – 1am and can be contacted via the Dublin Rough Sleeper app.”