The challenge is no longer knowing what works, but scaling proven solutions  

CEO Catherine Kenny says discussion must not only focus on rising numbers but on accelerating evidence-based solutions that deliver real outcomes 

Dublin, 29th of May 2026: As the latest homelessness figures are published, Dublin Simon Community is calling for greater focus on the practical, evidence-based solutions that help people move out of homelessness and into secure, long-term housing. 

The latest data from the Department of Housing confirms 17,548 individuals are now in emergency accommodation nationwide. 12,475 were recorded in Dublin, representing a staggering 11% year-on-year increase.  

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said, “While rising numbers show the continued lack of progress in tackling homelessness at a national level, we cannot lose focus on delivering the proven solutions that we know work and have been consistently delivering.” 

“Homelessness today is increasingly complex. Alongside health and social challenges, we are seeing growing numbers of people affected by affordability pressures, rising rents and barriers to accessing secure housing.” 

Kenny added, “At Dublin Simon, we know that homelessness is not inevitable and it is not unsolvable. Through a continuum of support, from prevention, outreach and supported temporary accommodation to tenancy sustainment, health and recovery supports, along with more access to long-term housing, people can and do rebuild their lives.” 

“We see the evidence of that every day. When housing and supports are aligned around the needs of the individual, through a person-centred approach, homelessness can be ended, and prevented from reoccurring.” 

The latest report also includes 1,885 families and 4,126 children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin. These figures don’t account for those rough sleeping, in insecure accommodation, in domestic violence shelters, or those in hidden homelessness (people sleeping in tents, cars, on couches). Nor do they include people seeking international protection, who follow a separate accommodation pathway through IPAS.

Kenny added, “The conversation about homelessness must be accompanied by action. Dublin Simon has been scaling and evolving its supports to match that.”

“Every year, Dublin Simon helps more than 1,500 people to move out of homelessness, demonstrating that the right combination of housing and supports delivers lasting outcomes. The challenge is no longer knowing what works. The challenge is scaling what works. Ireland doesn’t need another decade spent debating homelessness. We need a coordinated national effort to expand the housing and support models that are already changing lives and delivering lasting outcomes.”