The Salvation Army has said public argument over the sources of homelessness will do nothing to ease the crisis.
The Christian church and charity, one of the largest providers of homeless accommodation in Dublin, said action must replace debate in a bid to confront spiralling figures.
It was reacting to Department of Housing figures for August, confirming there are now 1,467 homeless families in the capital, including 3,273 children.
Nationally, the data shows there are 2,099 families, including 4,419 children in emergency accommodation.
“As we approach winter, we are appealing again to the Government’s responsibility to end homelessness once and for all,” said Erene Williamson, The Salvation Army’s Homeless Services Ireland Lead.
“We look on in frustration at the incredible amounts of public money spent on bike shelters and security huts, when thousands of children and their parents have nowhere to call home.
“In addition, a political row about homeless figures being impacted by the increase in people seeking international protection here, will do nothing to remedy that.
“From The Salvation Army’s perspective, a chronic lack of affordable housing and the cost of living crisis are the key drivers for people accessing our services.
“We need real action rather than debate.”
Ms Williamson said the charity never takes nationality or personal circumstances into account when attempting to secure emergency accommodation for single people or families.