A new tenancy sustainment service to keep homeless people in a home of their own will help "break the cycle of homelessness".
The service was announced today by the Homeless Agency and will be operated by the Dublin Simon Community.
The Chief Executive of Dublin Simon community, Sam McGuinness, said: "Too many people, who leave hostels or the street and move into their own accommodation, become homeless again after a short period."
"Our teams will work with them at all levels, to ensure rent is paid, health services and employment are accessed, neighbourhood difficulties are sorted quickly. In short the person will feel a member of a community," Mr McGuinness added.
The Dublin Simon Community will employ 12 Tenancy Sustainment Workers to work with up to 240 people in the first year to ensure they are supported to maintain a home and do not become homeless again. Dublin Simon volunteers will assist these new staff.
Dr Derval Howley, Director of the Homeless Agency said "It [the Dublin City Tenancy Sustainment Service] will provide crucial assistance to people at risk of homelessness and those who have moved from homelessness to maintain their tenancies and access appropriate supports so as to break the cycle of homelessness"
The service will work with local authority housing offices to identify people who are at risk due to anti-social behaviour or non-payment of rent.
"The team will also work alongside Probation & Welfare and Irish Prisons Services for people leaving prisons and with the health services, family and community groups to identify those at risk due to addiction, mental health problems or family breakdown," Dr Howley added.