This article is from page 17 of the 2006-06-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
THE transitional housing unit for homeless men in Ennis is welcome, but additional action is required to solve the problem for homelessness, according to St Vincent de Paul.
The organisation has called for accommodation for homeless people for several months, amid growing concerns on the issue in the county.
Its Outreach Officer Sandra Cox said an overall approach is required, in an effort to deal with a problem which is gripping the county.
“The provision of an emergency accommodation centre will impact directly on cases of street homelessness in Clare. In addition, the centre will provide emergency accommodation support to both statutory and voluntary agencies, ensuring that nobody will spend a night on the streets, due to lack of appropriate facilities,” she said.
More than 500 people reported as homeless to the local authorities in Clare last year and, according to St Vincent de Paul, the problem has hit crisis point.
“This will alleviate the homeless issue in that it will give single men somewhere to stay. But it is a larger issue. More council accommodation has to become available for single people. That is the real issue,” said Ms Cox.
She said some form of housing must be provided for homeless people who present on a crisis level, with no options open to them.
“Bed and breakfast accommodation is a temporary solution, but we have to relocate people again and again,” said Ms Cox.
“Looking for accommodation for the homeless is a crisis. At the moment, between eight and 10 people are staying in bed and breakfast accommodation. People who are discharged from acute care have nowhere to go.
“This will alleviate pressure initially, but still single parents are not considered as a priority. More social housing is needed.
“This centre would be appropriate for people with physical disabilities, while meals would be provided,” she added.
“Bed and breakfast accommodation isn’t suitable for people with alcohol and drug issues, as they provide no support for them. Individuals have to sleep rough as a a result and hostels in Limerick and Galway are full,” she said.
Ms Cox has been working as the organisation’s Outreach Officer since November and says the homeless issue has become increasingly more prevalent over the months.