Charity issues homelessness warning

A LEADING homeless charity has warned that the Government’s plan to end long term homelessness by 2016 is in serious jeopardy.

The Dublin Simon Community made the comment at the launch of its Community Annual Review 2012.

The Simon Community in Dublin, which conducts regular weekly street counts of rough sleepers, is experiencing significant growth in the numbers bedded down in the inner city centre, between Jervis Street, Amien Street and Harcourt Street.

According to the review, there has been a 66 per cent increase in the first half of this year (January-June) compared to the same period in 2012. From July-September it is a staggering 88 per cent increase on the same period for 2012.

Speaking at the launch, Sam McGuinness of the Simon Community in Dublin said they were really concerned at these trends across this narrow catchment area.

“The September count (03/09/2013) of 85 people sleeping rough in one night is very frightening and the highest since we started our own regular inner city street counts some years ago,

? he stated.

“Dublin Simon Community would see this as the absolute minimum figure, as their early morning counts do not include people considered the

‘hidden homeless’ who are couch surfing, staying in squats, hospitals, internet cafes or temporary B&Bs.

?

Mr McGuinness said that a time when demand is at crisis levels, services are being stretched more than ever and the frightening threat of budget cuts is ever present.

“The homeless sector has already absorbed massive reductions and we are expecting further cuts,

? he declared.

Mr McGuinness said the need for accommodation and assistance for those with nowhere to go, and whose existence has become harsh and dangerous, is the highest

“we have ever seen

?.

“What is extremely worrying is that many people who have accessed our emergency accommodation do not have the suitable housing they require,

? he said.

“In present uncertain times, with limited emergency accommodation, housing shortage, rent increases and rent allowance restrictions, the pressure for beds is frantic.

Mr McGuinness said Simon was vigorously working with the resources at its disposable to do everything possible to respond to the ever-growing demand for housing and services.

“It’s vital that we are focused on, and able to provide, suitable housing,

? he added.

“As part of our approach, our focus is on housing as the primary step in responding to a person’s homelessness.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Oisín Quinn said:

“We are all very proud to be associated with the work and reputation of Dublin Simon Community, who do great work to help those on the margins of our society.

“People who are homeless are citizens with the same rights and aspirations as everyone else.

?

The Lord Mayor added:

“We are grateful to the hundreds of Simon staff and volunteers. They give hope every day with a friendly face, warm recognition and encouragement to those often very sick and vulnerable people to regain their self worth and usefulness.

?

l Dublin Simon Community’s early morning street counts take place twice a week at 6am, between the inner city centre areas of Harcourt Street, Amiens Street and Jervis Street.