New homeless service opens on the Southside

RECENT figures have indicated that there are seven new cases of homelessness in Dublin every single day.

The stark reality of the situation was highlighted recently at the opening of a new centre for the homeless in Tallaght.

The mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Cathal King, cut the red tape on the Supported Temporary Accommodation (STA) service.

The 16-bed unit will provide accommodation and support to homeless people from the South Dublin County Council area.

It will be run by the Peter McVerry Trust, who were chosen following an open tender process.

The CEO of the trust, Pat Doyle, said the opening of the new unit was an important step in efforts to tackle homelessness in the region.

“The opening of this facility is a positive development for the homeless sector because it completes the localisation of supported temporary accommodation services across Dublin,

? he said.

“By providing localised services we are giving homeless people the opportunity to access services as close as possible to their communities and social networks. This is important as it helps them to reintegrate into society once they have exited homelessness.

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He added:

“This unit will not only provide homeless individuals with stable accommodation for up to six months but will also provide a range of supports to ensure that that they have the necessary skills to live independently at the end of their placement.

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Mr Doyle pointed out that the Peter McVerry Trust has 30 years’ experience in assisting vulnerable individuals.

“We will ensure that the support they receive is of the highest standard and delivered in line with our commitment to provide a safe, challenging and supportive environment for those in need,

? he stated.

Mr Doyle also referred to the rising numbers accessing homeless services in Dublin.

“Recent figures from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive show that there are seven new cases of homelessness in Dublin every day,

? he said.

“Peter McVerry Trust has also seen a large rise in the number of individuals using our services.

“We have already supported 1,897 unique individuals in the first four months of 2013.

“If the numbers entering homelessness continue on this trend then it will place huge strain on resources within the sector. Greater efforts must be placed on preventing homelessness.

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