Barnardos has welcomed the latest release from the Department of Housing which shows there were 282 fewer children living in homeless accommodation in April than in March this year. Whether this reduction is due to the Covid19 pandemic or not, Barnardos is urging Government not to forget about the 3,073 children still without a home.
Barnardos: Response to Department of Housing Figures
4 June 2020 - Barnardos has welcomed the latest release from the Department of Housing which shows there were 282 fewer children living in homeless accommodation in April than in March this year. Whether this reduction is due to the Covid19 pandemic or not, Barnardos is urging Government not to forget about the 3,073 children still without a home.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “We welcome any fall in the number of children experiencing homelessness; but the Government must ensure the homes offered to families exiting homelessness are sustainable long-term. They must not forget the more than three thousand of children still living in extremely challenging circumstances, made all the more difficult by the Covid19 pandemic and associated restrictions. At a time of national crisis there is a risk these children will be lost in the milieu. It is essential they have access to the services and supports they need.
Families are struggling to cope in isolation in hotels and family hubs. With schools and creches closed children experiencing homelessness have been left stranded without a crucial lifeline. Furthermore, many services normally available to families living in homeless accommodation have been curtailed due to the restrictions.
Barnardos has been working to adapt our services to ensure the families we work with are still supported. From delivering food parcels and meals to having socially distanced visits with children and their parents we are working hard to help families cope – but not all children experiencing homelessness have access to these kinds of supports.”
Ms. Connolly continued: “As the Government begins the phased easing of restrictions and thoughts turn to life as we know it returning, we must remember that for the 3,073 children living in homeless accommodation the life they knew before the pandemic was already very difficult. We must strive for a return and recovery for these children which is ‘better than normal’. Where every child living in homeless accommodation has access to a dedicated, specialised Family Support service. Ending child homelessness should undoubtedly be a priority for the incoming Government, but until this happens it is imperative these children and their families have the help and support they need to cope.”
ENDS
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