The latest release from the Department of Housing shows the number of children living in homeless accommodation in May was 3,749, which is a decrease of 45 children compared to figures released in April.
Dublin, 28 June 2019 – The latest release from the Department of Housing shows the number of children living in homeless accommodation in May was 3,749, which is a decrease of 45 children compared to figures released in April. As the summer holiday period approaches Barnardos urges the government to ensure that children who continue to experience the trauma of homelessness have access to dedicated supports throughout the holiday period.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “This week across Ireland children have been celebrating the end of the school term and the arrival of the summer holidays. Many of us have cherished memories of long summer days playing with friends and having new adventures. But for the thousands of children and their families trapped in homeless accommodation the holiday period brings new challenges and problems.
“At Barnardos we see first-hand the impact that living in homeless accommodation can have on children. The summer holiday period is particularly challenging. School provides children with the security of routine. While not all children will divulge to their peers that they are homeless, seeing and interacting with friends on a daily basis is an important part of growing up and children’s sense of belonging. For children without a permanent home, summer days are very long when they don’t have the space they need to play and grow.
“Parents understand only too well the impact that this will have on their child and will try their best to alleviate boredom, stress and upset. Limited resources will be stretched further in order to ensure children have some happy memories to report on their return to school. In the absence of real social housing output the Government must ensure that services and supports are provided for families that need them throughout the summer months. The infrastructure needed to support families living in emergency accommodation already exists in the community. But this infrastructure needs resourcing in order to adequately deal with the number of families experiencing homelessness”.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Rachel Boyce; 01 7080443