Child and family homelessness is on the rise after a blanket ban on evictions was lifted.
And it has been cited as another damning indictment of failed Government housing policy by Sinn Féin’s housing spokesman, Eoin Ó Broin.
The latest figures from DRHE (Dublin Region Homelessness Executive) reveal that from the end of March to the end of April this year, 18 more families and 50 children entered homelessness in Dublin.
Overall, there are over 500 less children year on year in homelessness and there are still a total of 1,719 children registered as homeless and living in emergency accommodation.
But Mr Ó Broin said this is “very worrying” and he fears it could be the beginning of a trend.
He also believes that the rising numbers coincide with the end of the blanket ban on evictions that was lifted in April.
There are still a shocking 699 families and 4,087 adults in homeless shelters in the Dublin area - and this doesn’t include the estimated 125 rough sleepers who are not engaging with support.
Dublin Mid-West TD Mr Ó Broin told the Irish Mirror: “The rise in the number of families with children presenting as homeless and entering emergency accommodation is very worrying.
“This appears to coincide with the ending of the blanket ban on evictions on April 22.
“While it is too early to know whether this is a trend we do know that a large number of notices to quit that had been paused during the eviction ban are now working their way through the system.
“This is likely to result in further increases in homelessness and in particular family homelessness in the coming months.
“In order to avoid this Minister O’Brien must reintroduce the ban on rent increases and evictions until at least the end of the year.”
The report’s author said that they are providing supports for families caught in the homelessness trap.
Residents in family hubs receive onsite support and families in private operated emergency facilities (PEAs) receive housing advice and social support from NGO/DRHE Housing teams as well as in-reach support from HSE and TUSLA.
“Support to families in PEAs comes from a combination of Focus Ireland’s Family Hat Team and DRHE Housing Support Officers.”
