‘There is no empathy for those in emergency accommodation’
By Mary Dennehy
AS THE community mourns the tragic loss of Danielle Carroll, homeless volunteers in Tallaght have stressed the need for more “empathy and understanding” when it comes to supporting homeless families.
Originally from Kilmartin, Danielle Carroll (27) lost her life to suicide in the Kildare-based emergency accommodation she was staying in with her two young boys.
On Monday, hundreds gathered at the Church of the Incarnation, in Fettercairn, for Danielle’s funeral Mass, during which her family and friends wore yellow ribbons for suicide prevention.
Nicola Moore, a volunteer with Visit, a community-based soup kitchen that supports homeless people in the area, said: “Being homeless and in emergency accommodation has a huge impact on the mental wellbeing of families.
“We meet a lot of mothers who are very anxious or depressed because of their situation, they’re stressed for their kids.”
When asked what could be done to support families, Ms Moore said: “The government needs to stop looking at homeless people as statistics.
“There is no empathy or understanding for people living on the streets or staying in emergency accommodation.
“There are people and families behind the statistics, human beings… and it’s sad that they are looked at differently just because they don’t have a home of their own.”
She added: “Visit is here to help anybody sleeping rough or in a local hotel, and we can offer food, support and a listening ear.
“We will also try to link people in with services, but all of the services are stretched to breaking point, so most people end up going from pillar to post every day.
“There are houses coming on stream over the next few years, but these are too little too late for so many families that are struggling now.
“Sadly, the damage has already been done to many families . . . it’s shameful.”
It is understood that Danielle was offered one house from South Dublin County Council, which was later withdrawn by the local authority.
A second home offered to Danielle was reportedly deemed unsuitable for her children.
When contacted by The Echo this week, South Dublin County Council confirmed that there are currently 462 people on its homeless register, 198 of whom are in emergency accommodation.
In response to questions posed by The Echo, the council said that to date in 2017, 163 individuals and families on the homeless register have been housed in social housing and through the HAP scheme.
The council also added that currently 32 houses are boarded up right across the county – that’s 0.4 per cent of the housing stock of 9,130 homes boarded up.
In relation to the boarded-up houses, the council confirmed that all 32 are in various stages of work for re-letting.
Acknowledging a request from Danielle’s family, the council was unable to comment on the passing of the young mother.
Visit in Tallaght has encouraged any individuals or families in need of support to visits its Facebook page or call Nicola Moore on 087 3679223.
Anybody affected by above or who would like to speak with someone is encouraged to call the Pieta House Helpline on 076 6805278 or the Samaritans 24 hour helpline 116 123.
