COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF HOUSING SPC

Monday, November 19, 2018

HEADED ITEM NO. 7

Family Hubs

Family hubs are currently available at Tallaght Cross, The Abberley and Gleann na hEorna in Tallaght which provides emergency accommodation for families.  Riversdale House and Killininny House provide accommodation for homeless single persons.  In addition a proposal has been received from Respond! Housing Association in relation to the the use of existing accommodation and facilities at the Carmelite Monastery as a family hub to accommodate up to 17 families.

Family accommodation hubs are an important response for families who become homeless and who have no alternative other than commercial hotels.  This is not the long term housing solution for these families but provides a temporary secure and stable placement for families until they are allocated social housing within the county or find a private rented property using the HAP scheme.  Families are provided with supports such as key workers who assist them to find private rented accommodation using the HAP scheme at the enhanced homeless rates.  South Dublin County Council also has dedicated placefinders who will work with families in hotels and B & B's and where necessary support the services already available in the hubs.

Tallaght Cross is managed by Tuath Housing with support from Focus Ireland.  The High Street Hub (Abberley) is privately managed with support from Focus and we expect this support to increase.  Respond manage the family hub in Gleann na hEorna.  Following recent social media and other reports in relation to the operation of these hubs, they were subject to unannounced inspections from senior staff during which they were found to be operating satisfactorily.

The Housing Department in conjunction with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and other partners continue to look for suitable locations/property throughout the County for use as appropriate emergency accommodation for single persons and families. 

Given the current number of housing/homeless applicants for accommodation to this Council, a wide range of possible accommodation options are being examined and pursued across the County.  All options will be examined in detail including examining the proposed management structure, the site, reviewing the experience of the provider in managing similar facilities etc. with a view to supporting the provision of much needed accommodation.  Members of thsi Committee and local elected members will be advised as and when additional facilities are coming on stream.