Homeless figures for February 2025 break all-time record

Homeless figures for February 2025 have hit another all-time record high.

15,378 people availed of homeless services across Ireland last month, up from the previous all-time record of 15,286.

Of that figure, 10,948 are in Dublin.

The figure does not include “invisible homelessness”, such as couch surfing or people sleeping in cars.

Ever since the eviction ban was lifted in early 2023, the homeless figures have skyrocketed.

In the month before the eviction ban was lifted, January 2023, there were 11,754 people in homeless services in Ireland.

The Salvation Army said residents of its family and adult hubs in Dublin have been watching the political bickering “with a growing sense of disbelief”.

“While this impasse is continuing, these children are spending their days and nights in emergency accommodation,” said Erene Williamson, The Salvation Army’s Homeless Services Ireland Lead.

“Our residents, including those at Ireland’s largest family hub, Houben House, a facility which is full to capacity, have been observing this with a growing sense of disbelief and frustration.

“They are being told that homelessness is the country’s number one priority, yet our service users feel nothing is being done to help them take that vital next step towards independent living.”

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said, “What have those elected to power done to address the roots of the problem? 2024 housing targets were not achieved and the possible changes to rent zones and the Tenant-in-Situ Scheme may lead even more people to homelessness. When will they recognise their duty to take real action to resolve this crisis and put an end to the suffering of thousands across the country? Has the govern,ent’s commitment to end homelessness by 2030 been forgotten entirely?” 

Social Democrats TD and housing spokesperson Rory Hearne said “this is a social catastrophe and a personal tragedy for each individual or family involved.”

“At a time when the government has signalled that the removal of rent caps could happen this year to favour institutional corporate landlords, today’s homelessness figures underline the importance of keeping rent pressure zones in place.”

“Eroding existing protections for renters will simply lead to a further rise in homelessness and the numbers of people at risk of poverty,” the Dublin North-West TD said.