Over 100 pensioners in Dublin saved from terror of homelessness

An initiative to help a ‘forgotten’ cohort of homeless pensioners has taken 70 couples and single OAPs out of emergency accommodation in Dublin.

A further 45 were prevented from entering homeless services in 2025, according to new figures from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE).

Social homes were secured for the senior citizens in all 115 cases.

“The terror and fear you see in older people coming in with notices to quit, they can’t get an extra job, they can’t top up their income,” said Corinne Bogan, who works with the over-70s as a Housing Support Officer with Dublin City Council.

“I had an 83-year-old man who came in with his wife with a notice to quit their private, rented property. She cares for him as he has Alzheimer’s.

“You’re not going to pick up a part-time job or retrain in a new career.

“And to try to bring someone of that age into homeless services is just not suitable in terms of their cognitive decline, the need for grab rails, adapted toilets, adapted showers, there are people on oxygen so there can be a fire risk.”

Ms Bogan also helped a woman in her 80s, left homeless when a friend with whom she had shared a home for over 30 years died without changing her will, meaning the house was inherited by the deceased woman’s family.

Her frontline role is being highlighted as part of #YourCouncilDay on Friday (June 26), the national campaign to generate awareness of services and work carried out by county and city councils across Ireland.

Dublin City Council says her work focuses on two key groups: elderly individuals living in emergency accommodation and those in the community at risk of homelessness.

“Her approach is grounded in a trauma-informed, wrap-around case management model, reflecting the complex realities many older people face, including poor health, acquired disabilities, bereavement and loss of community supports,” said a DCC spokesperson.

Most pensioners who seek Council help have nowhere else to go, rely on pensions at a time of soaring rents and are unable to navigate the complexities of seeking alternative housing.

Some also present with additional needs such as addiction and are subject to some landlords who refuse to accept the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

“Without a doubt, the seniors are the forgotten story of the homeless conversation and some even feel a sense of shame, coming in here at this time in their lives,” said Ms Bogan.

“It’s a very real and traumatic experience for an older person; they are desperate, people do not need to be packing boxes and relocating in their 70s and 80s.

“You really see the depth and impact it has on the person. It’s terrifying for them.”

Another elderly woman feared she would lose her dog if she entered homeless services – but a home was found for both of them.

The DRHE at DCC also has a support team to help people adjust to their new homes, including setting up their gas and electricity, changing postal address and updating medical cards.

*Providing over 1,100 services to the public, the work of county and city councils is celebrated through Your Council Day, the theme of which is Supporting Communities Every Day.
ends