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Families who face homelessness or who are in emergency homeless accommodation protest at Fingal County Council offices in Blanchardstown this afternoon. Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
Homelessness
'A missed opportunity, but a step in the right direction': charities react to government homelessness plan
Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan outlilned today how the government plans to address homelessness, but charities have given the plan a tepid response.
CHARITIES DEALING WITH families on the brink of homelessness have welcomed the government’s homelessness plan, but many believe it is missing crucial elements.
Threshold, the national housing charity, has welcomed the plan to address homelessness published, but said the plan missed a crucial opportunity to reform Rent Supplement and introduce a system of rent control.
At a press briefing, Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan had said that there will be “flexibility” in rental to rent supplements.
Bob Jordan, Chief Executive of Threshold, said that they are disappointed that the plan doesn’t overhaul the system entirely.
“We are disappointed that this plan does not provide for an overhaul of the Rent Supplement scheme or the introduction of any form of rent control.
“The plan does outline that there will be ring-fenced housing for homeless people and that additional resources will be made available to address homelessness, both of which are welcome measures.
“More worryingly, the indications from government are that there will be no increases to Rent Supplement levels in the coming months, and there is nothing substantial in this plan about Rent Supplement reform.”
Kerry Anthony CEO of Depaul Ireland, which works with people at risk of homelessness adds “the families we are working with are facing immense hardship. They have come from homes they could not to afford to keep due to escalating rental prices and have been forced into sub-standard emergency accommodation.”
Focus Ireland’s Mike Allen said that the plan was welcome, but had to deliver.
“Focus Ireland welcomes the plan but warns that it will not succeed if there is an over-emphasis on the quick fix of turning unused buildings into more emergency accommodation without ensuring urgent action to increase access to affordable housing for people who are homeless and those at risk.”
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, the charity that supports older people in need, called the move ‘a step in the right direction’, but criticised the delay in the publication of the plan.
“It’s a scandal that it had to reach this point before the government took notice. Today’s newly announced housing plan is a step in the right direction but it remains to be seen whether the government will follow through on their promises.”
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