Homelessness among young in midwest on rise, report says

A report into homelessness in the midwest has raised concerns over the growing numbers of young people presenting to homeless services in the region.

The midwest Homelessness Action Plan cites the Government’s reduction in social welfare payments as being one of the three drivers behind increased homelessness among the young (17 to 25).

The report also states: “The options available to the many young people leaving the care system on an annual basis are very limited with private rented and supported lodgings being the most readily available.”

It notes: “This lack of proactive solution leads to the inevitable pathway to emergency homeless services which, in turn, often leads to a number of other issues, including a gateway to drug usage.”

On the reduction in social welfare payments for the young, the report says that for many young people who avail of beds in hostels or the many who remain “sofa surfing” with friends, it has become increasingly difficult to resettle these service-users as the minimal payment makes it difficult to sustain independent living.

The publication confirms the number of homeless presentations in the midwest last year increased by 15 per cent.

In figures that form part of the action plan, 2,092 people presented for homelessness in the midwest last year compared to 1,820 in 2008.

The largest increase recorded was in Clare, where an additional 17 per cent presented for homelessness.

The highest number of presentations took place in Limerick city, where the number increased by 15 per cent from 816 to 940.

Clare County Council director for housing Bernadette Kinsella said the breakdown for the Clare area showed that 188 children, 240 men and 137 women presented for homelessness last year.

The report says the figures include people availing of domestic violence services.

Ms Kinsella said the majority of homelessness presentations took place in Ennis, with the majority having Clare connections. Some non-Irish nationals were also availing of the services.