Shocking new figures show the numbers of homeless children and families are still on the rise.
There were 3,778 children recorded as living in emergency accommodation in August – up 133 in just a month – with 1,721 families without a home in total.
This means one in three of all our homeless are now vulnerable children.
The official homelessness figure remains above 10,000 at 10,275.
Campaigner Fr Peter McVerry said the numbers should be a “source of immense shame” for the Government.
Sinn Fein’s Eoin O Broin has described as “deeply depressing” the level of families that have no place to call their home.
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been roundly criticised again by political opponents and charities working with the homeless for his failings in his job as the housing crisis continues to worsen on his watch.
Mr O Broin said the figures show the Government’s policies on housing are failing.
He added: “We need a significant increase in investment in public housing and faster delivery time for much needed social and affordable homes.”
Fr McVerry said: “School should be a time of hope for children.
“But for them to flourish, they need stable and familiar homes to provide a cornerstone for their lives, not chaotic and ad-hoc housing arrangements where they are growing up in confined spaces.”
Feed Our Homeless Tony Walsh added: “Many homeless sleeping rough around the city will not avail off the State-funded hostels due to high drug use intimidation at night.
“The Minister and put his money were his mouth his. We must see action from our Government.”
