Dublin Simon Community disappointed by rise in numbers experiencing homelessness this January

7,278 people recorded in emergency accommodation in Dublin in January 2020

Dublin, 27th February 2020: Dublin Simon Community this evening expressed disappointment with a rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Dublin shown in the publication of the January 2020 Homelessness Report, released today by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

The report shows the homelessness figure for Dublin Region is at 7,278 for January 2020, marking a 6% year-on-year increase from the 6,964 recorded in January 2019. It does, however, show a slow-down in year-on-year growth in homelessness from 21% per annum in January 2018 to 8% in 2019 and now 5% in 2020.

The number of families in emergency accommodation in Dublin remains effectively at the same levels as January 2019, with 1,201 this year 2020 compared to 1,221 in January. While Dublin Simon Community recognises the flatline in family homelessness, individuals in homelessness is not following the same trend. January 2020’s increase is driven by growth in homelessness among single individuals, which sits now at 2,865 compared with 2,586 in December 2019.

CEO of Dublin Simon Community, Sam McGuinness, said:

“These latest homelessness figures reflect the trend we have witnessed between December and January in previous years; the goodwill associated with Christmas-time can lead to fluctuation in the figures for this period, as family members and friends reach out to those in emergency accommodation. The increase also highlights the ongoing shortage of one-bedroom accommodation for couples and singles, acting as a frustrating barrier to exiting emergency accommodation.”

“It is important, however, not to allow this increase to undermine the concerted efforts being made by NGOs, AHBs and the DRHE to prevent and reduce homelessness. There is evidence to support a decline in the growth of homelessness year-on-year. We hope that this curbed growth is an indicator of a slow down trend and that we will see further reductions in the number of people experiencing homelessness in the coming months.”