The latest figures from the Department of Housing shows the number of children living in homeless accommodation in August was 3,848, an increase of 70 children compared to figures for July.
Dublin, 30 September 2019: The latest figures from the Department of Housing shows the number of children living in homeless accommodation in August was 3,848, an increase of 70 children compared to figures for July.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “Combined with last month’s increase, over 170 children have become homeless since schools broke up for the summer holidays. This increase is a clear indictment of the failure of the government to prevent children becoming homeless. Barnardos is calling on the government to increase their efforts to tackle the ongoing homeless crisis. For the second month in a row we have seen a substantial increase in the number of children living in emergency accommodation.
“August is a time when children should be excited to return to school to share their summer adventures with their classmates. Instead a child is having to decide whether and how to share the trauma of experiencing homelessness.
“We know that the key to addressing homelessness is more social housing. In the meantime, children and parents are faced with the anxiety and stress of homelessness when what they need to be focusing on is the child’s return to school. Barnardos is calling on the government to provide increased funding for family support in Budget 2020 so that at least families dealing with this horrible situation can get the support they need.”
ENDS
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