A NEW initiative to combat homelessness in the Dublin region was introduced yesterday by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Ms Liz McManus. The initiative aims to put in place new arrangements for a unified approach by the statutory authorities and the voluntary sector to develop services for the homeless.
Last year, Dublin Corporation assisted 1,057 homeless cases, including 800 With women or children involved, at a cost of £600,000.
Under the plan, a management group of senior officials of Dublin Corporation and the Eastern Health Board has been established to co ordinate and deliver services to the homeless. A consultative group has also been formed, representing the housing authorities concerned, the Eastern Health Board and various voluntary organisations.
The Minister said she wished to ensure not only the co ordination of accommodation services but also the development of a resettlement service to help homeless people break out of the homelessness cycle.
Ms Mary Higgins, formerly of the housing advice organisation, Threshold, has been appointed as administrative director of the initiative, which will receive £350,000 in funding.