€4.5 million allocated to homeless services

THERE were 48 allocations to homeless households by South Dublin County Council on February 29.

Of the total allocations 26 were allocated in February, five of these were singles and 21 were to families/couples (comprising a total of 36 adults and 50 children).

To date, 11 offers of accommodation made to families in emergency accommodation were refused.

The Council’s allocation team are prioritising allocations to homeless households, including three and four bed homes, and the Council are also progressing tenant in-situ acquisitions, according to the local authority.

The Council is working to increase new housing supply through partnerships with approved housing bodies, ongoing choice based letting and other allocation options, according to the local authority.

The Council said that it is also turning around vacant local authority properties for re-letting, supporting HAP tenancies and engaging with landlords on potential tenant in-situ acquisitions.

Households at risk of experiencing homelessness should engage with the Council to examine prevention measures including possible alternative accommodation and the Council’s Homeless Unit provides help to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Working in conjunction with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), this unit operates an advice clinic in County Hall and provides outreach services across the County as well as detailing emergency accommodation options including central placement, self-accommodate, family hubs and other supported accommodation.

Staff in the Homeless Unit organise emergency accommodation for those assessed as homeless through the Assessment and Placement Service.

Also refuge facilities, provided and managed by Saoirse supported by the Council, are operational in Tallaght and Rathcoole to support victims of domestic violence.

Additional supported/step down/transitional accommodation is also provided by approved housing bodies and other voluntary organisations including facilities at Neilstown, Springfield, Kiltalown and Glencarrig.

The Council, in conjunction with DRHE will explore potential options for additional family hubs and other supported accommodation in the County.

In addition, the homeless outreach service operates all year round for rough sleepers across the County, working with other agencies, including the HSE, in identifying rough sleepers and connecting them with appropriate accommodation and support services and this service also plays an important role in assisting homeless rough sleepers during the winter months.

In 2024, almost €4 ½ million has been allocated for homeless services including additional staff and supports, directly and through the Dublin Region Homeless Executive.

“We are committed in 2024 to … reduce homelessness in our County,” the Council said.