HOMELESSNESS ON THE RISE IN BELFAST

Louth Homelessness numbers rise again – Gerry Adams TD  - by Gerry Adams TD Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams has expressed his “deep concern at the continuing increase in the numbers of people in Louth who are homeless.” Teachta Adams said: “Clearly the Government’s housing strategy, supported by Fianna Fáil, is not working.” “The March homelessness figures show that adult, child and family homelessness have all increased since February and have increased substantially over the last year.  "According to the Department of Housing there are now 10,305 people officially classified as homeless. This includes 3,821 children. These figures do not reflect the real level of homelessness because of government efforts to massage the numbers. "These are the worst ever figures for homelessness and especially for children without a home. Since March last year the number suffering homelessness across the state has risen by over 600 from 9,681.  "The figures for Louth and the north east region are even more stark. In March 2018 there were 60 people officially confirmed as homeless in Louth, Monaghan and Cavan. One year later that figure has almost trebled to 173. Louth had 54 people suffering from homelessness in March 2018. Today that figure is 156. "Clearly the government’s housing strategy – Rebuilding Ireland – is not working. In the last eight years there has been a 490 per cent increase in the number of homeless children in the state. Since 2016 family homelessness has increased by forty per cent. Pensioner homelessness has also witnessed a dramatic increase of eighty per cent. "There needs to be a radical change of direction by government of its housing policy. It is not working. On May 18th the state wide Raise The Roof demonstration in Dublin presents an important opportunity to demonstrate public anger as the housing scandal in this state.”