A temporary supported accommodation service for women and women with children who are homeless was opened by Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan yesterday.
Depaul Ireland’s Rendu Apartments on North William Street in Dublin will accommodate 19 women in self-contained units with onsite 24-hour support.
The 2012 CSO report shows there are 785 women and 289 dependant children experiencing homelessness in the Dublin region. A total of 1,269 women are experiencing homelessness nationally, with women representing one-third of the homeless population.
Most women identified as homeless by the Dublin region Homeless executive in 2011 tended to be younger than men as they represent 40 per cent of the 18-25 age group.
Speaking at the launch, Ms O’Sullivan said: “Many people see my role as Minister for Housing and Planning as involving just bricks and mortar, units and targets. While that is an important part of the job, my vision of the role is very much centred on the idea of the home. These self-contained apartments will assist in creating an independent living scenario for women who have suffered homelessness.”
Alexandra Ormond and her three-month-old son Riley moved into Rendu Apartments last week.
“If it wasn’t for this place I wouldn’t have a home for Christmas. I had been waiting for homeless accommodation for a while, but I had to put my son into consensual care because I had nowhere appropriate for him to stay.
“When Rendu Apartments came available, I was so happy because I could take my son home with me and live here in a safe apartment.
“The staff are excellent, they’re here 24/7, and they help us with anything we need. To have a warm apartment like this compared to some of the places you end up when you’re homeless is great. Some of the hostels aren’t safe.
“I’m an ex-heroin addict and the last place I was people were throwing used needles in the place. I’m 2½ years clear of heroin and I want my son to be with me in a good place like this.”