ONE IN seven of the 5,000 people in homelessness services this Christmas will be a child, according to Focus Ireland.
The homelessness charity said the coming weeks and months would be “very challenging” as numbers seeking its help had increased by almost 20 per cent, while it has had a 10 per cent cut in funds.
Describing the figures as “highly worrying”, director of fundraising with the organisation, Mark Mellett, said “thousands more families are now struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
“The fact that one in seven people using homeless services is a child clearly shows this problem is having a serious impact on the most vulnerable in our society.”
Focus Ireland also provided over 50,000 meals in 2010 – an increase of 30 per cent since 2009.
As it publishes its pre-budget submission this morning the charity is warning the Government that any further cuts to existing funding for homeless services will cause a further deepening of the homeless problem and act to keep more people trapped in emergency accommodation.
Yesterday it announced details of its Christmas fundraising campaign, which aims to engage people in the a discussion about the severity of the homelessness crisis.
“We are also keen to stress that Focus Ireland believes that – with public and political support – we can change this and improve things.”
The campaign, which will be on billboards as well as radio ads, says: “We Can Change This” and calls for public support.
“There is much good work being done and Focus Ireland has a strong track record which shows people can successfully move on from being homeless when the right supports and access to housing is in place,” said Mr Mellett.
“Our staff also work hard every day to prevent many more people from becoming homeless in the first place.”
Focus Ireland said every euro donated counts in the battle against homelessness as the charity works hard to makes sure that 91 cent of every euro goes directly to services to support people who are homeless, and those at risk.
