The number of people sleeping rough on streets and in doorways has been one of the most distressing sights in recent years in our capital city and many other urban centres around the State. Distressing at any time such sights ought to be but in these years above all others, as most of society has become richer and is not slow to flaunt its affluence, the degradation and reduced circumstances that propel a person into homelessness infuse many others with a sense of shame if not guilt.
It is not that the better off have caused others to be homeless - the origins in most instances are complex and particular - but citizens with a conscience are rightly disturbed to see fellow human beings in such straits. This recognition, that a fundamental aspect of what makes for a fair society is the strong looking out for the weak, is what drives official policy. When such efforts bear fruit, it is thus right to acknowledge that progress has been made... and urge yet more still.
Yesterday's publication of Counted In 2005, the third such survey of homelessness in Dublin compiled by SPSS Ireland for the Homeless Agency, brings good news. The number of people in the city who were homeless fell last year by almost 20 per cent compared to the previous assessment in 2002. The number of homeless people stood at 2,015 - 1,552 adults and 463 children - compared to 2,920 in 2002. The number of people sleeping rough - on the streets, in doorways and parks - fell over the same period by a very welcome 33 per cent. Some 185 adults out of 1,361 people surveyed, said they slept rough for at least four of the previous nights in 2005 compared to 312 in 2002.
The new figures are no cause for comfort in themselves - the happiest state will be when all categories register a zero - but the statistics have moved substantially in the right direction and those who have helped make this happen are to be praised.
The agency which plans and co-ordinates services for homeless people in the capital says that progress has been made because front-line services - such as street outreach, emergency accommodation, food and day services and night buses - as well as a greater focus on long-term accommodation support, are beginning to have an impact. The emphasis on front-line responses suggests, as some noted yesterday, that a redoubled focus needs to be given to longer-term solutions. Sustained progress will not be made without greater provision of longer-term, affordable, permanent accommodation. And efforts need to be made to address the worrying 10 per cent of the homeless from east European countries.