Hidden Homelessness: Key Recommendations

Citation
Barnardos, Focus Ireland, Simon Communities in Ireland, Society of St. Vincent de Paul. (2018). Hidden Homelessness: Key Recommendations. https://knowledge.barnardos.ie/handle/20.500.13085/117
Abstract
The housing crisis engulfing the country has been steadily expanding over a number of years. As time has gone on, Government initiatives aimed at tackling the crisis have failed to stem the tide of homelessness, curb rent increases or build enough social and affordable housing. There has rightly been much media coverage of the worsening crisis and public outcry at the ever-increasing number of people living in emergency accommodation; yet there are thousands more individuals, families and children who are homeless but go largely unnoticed. These are the hidden homeless. The hidden homeless do not have a secure place to call home. They are often staying with friends or relatives, doubling and tripling up, as they have nowhere else to go. These housing situations are often short-term and unsustainable, meaning people are forced to move around or enter emergency accommodation. Hidden homelessness is often characterised by overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation. Overcrowding has significantly increased in recent years. Despite the fact that they have no home, are residing in temporary accommodation and experience many of the same challenges faced by those living in emergency accommodation; the hidden homeless are not counted by Government and don’t qualify for many support services.
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