The latest release from the Department of Housing shows that the number of children living in homeless accommodation in December was 3,422 a decrease of 330 children compared to figures for November
30 January 2020 – The latest release from the Department of Housing shows that the number of children living in homeless accommodation in December was 3,422 a decrease of 330 children compared to figures for November. This is a welcome decrease however, there are still far too many children living in homeless accommodation.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “Barnardos welcomes the significant reduction in the number of children who were living in emergency accommodation in December. However, while last night’s figures are a stride in the right direction there is still almost 3,500 children living in emergency accommodation. The outgoing government must not be complacent about how much more work needs to be done.
“The issue of housing has dominated the debates and campaign trail of this election. The next government must take a cross-departmental approach to tackling the homeless crisis. At Barnardos we see the impact that living in such accommodation has on children’s physical development and social and emotional wellbeing. While building more houses is the most obvious solution, further supports are needed for vulnerable families in this situation.
“In our manifesto for Election 2020 we have called for the embedding of intensive and individualized family support services in communities are trying to deal with complex and traumatic life experiences such as homelessness”.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- READ OUR MANIFESTO
The priorities set out in our manifesto are based on our work with over 18,000 children and families across Ireland and our experience and expertise in this area. - FOR MORE
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Rachel Boyce; 01 7080443
Trudy McCarthy; 01 7080423