Almost 700 people at risk of homelessness have sought help from one of the country’s leading housing charities so far this year, it was revealed today.
Focus Ireland said it has seen a rise in demand for its services with more people running into serious housing difficulties as the recession takes its toll.
Brenda Dempsey, project leader of the Focus Ireland service, said laid-off workers finding it tough to make ends meet are looking for support.
“People are coming in who have lost their jobs and have run into serious difficulties paying their rent,” Ms Dempsey said.
“We find that ensuring people have early access to information and support often prevents them from losing their accommodation.
“If they are already homeless we will work to get them into emergency accommodation, then keep working to try and get them into more stable long-term accommodation.”
Since the beginning of the year almost 700 people have approached the charity’s advice and information service based in Temple Bar in Dublin.
Focus Ireland said with up to 200,000 people losing their jobs in the past year they expect to see a further rise in the numbers looking for help.
The charity has teamed up with Dublin 246 Citizen’s Information Services (CIS) to meet this rising demand and ensure people don’t become homeless.
Dublin 246 CIS refers people who contact their offices in these Dublin local areas on to Focus Ireland if they are seeking support and information about housing and homelessness issues.
Ms Dempsey said the partnership was vital.
“There are as many reasons why people come into us seeking support as there are reasons why an individual or family becomes homeless,” she said.
“Be it due to job loss, financial issues, relationship breakdown or eviction, all have one thing in common.
“Having early, ready access to the appropriate advice and information about their rights and entitlements, and having support from Focus Ireland staff is pivotal to helping they keep a roof over their heads.”
It is estimated that up to 5,000 people are homeless in Ireland at any one time.
A small percentage sleep rough while the majority say in emergency accommodation including bed & breakfasts and hostels.
PA