Simon Calls For Stronger Homelessness Prevention Measures

Wexford TD and Housing Minister James Browne is being urged to ensure greater funding is directed towards preventing homelessness.

The call comes during Simon Week, which this year is highlighting the experiences of single adults, who make up around two-thirds of people experiencing homelessness nationally.

Simon Communities says around 37 people are currently in emergency accommodation in County Wexford.

The organisation has also warned that official figures do not capture the full extent of so-called hidden homelessness, including people sleeping in cars or moving between friends’ and relatives’ homes.

It is calling for ring-fenced funding for the Government’s homelessness prevention framework, arguing that early intervention is both more effective and less costly than relying on emergency accommodation.

Simon also highlighted the situation across the wider southeast, where 21 people aged over 65 are currently in emergency accommodation.