TWO-THIRDS OF homeless people in Cork have cited the housing crisis, the breakup of a relationship and substance abuse as the cause of their problems.

A new report by the Cork Simon Community shows that an overwhelming number of Cork’s homeless, 92 per cent, were unemployed by the time they got to an emergency shelter.

The report added that 80 per cent of homeless people had had legal troubles, 78 per cent were early school leavers and 76 per cent were unskilled.

Over two-thirds, 68 per cent, were diagnosed with a mental health condition.

The study, which analysed the histories of 50 people in shelters in Cork. In the first six months of the year, there were 122 new presentations to the Simon shelter, a 37 per cent increase on the second half of 2012.

Over 250 people who were living in a house availed of the charity’s soup run.

Launching the report, Dr. Niamh Hourigan of UCC, said:

“The dramatic increase in homelessness and the rise in the numbers of people relying on temporary emergency accommodation is one of the most visible and shocking consequences of the recession in Ireland. As the report demonstrates, many homeless people have been overwhelmed by multiple crises, some personal, and some society-wide.

The report shows that homelessness often occurs after early deprivation and school-leaving, addiction and mental health problems have already taken their toll.

Read: Simon Community says 88 per cent rise in Dublin rough sleepers ‘frightening’

Column:  Thousands of people are just one pay cheque away from being homeless