COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, July 08, 2019
QUESTION NO. 17
QUESTION: Councillor Teresa Costello
To ask the Chief Executive how many people are homeless in the county and what services are in place for them
REPLY:
The following table gives the numbers of homeless individuals and families in the County:
|
Registered Homeless (May 2019) |
Total |
|
Single Male |
289 |
|
Single Female |
66 |
|
Couples |
9 |
|
Families |
274 |
|
Total |
638 |
The breakdown of their housing need for these applicants is as follows:
- 333 applicants have a 1-bed housing need;
- 146 applicants have a 2-bed housing need;
- 126 applicants have a three-bed housing need;
- 33 applicants have a four-bed housing need.
Our Homeless Unit provides assistance to those who find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This unit operates an advice clinic in County Hall and provides outreach and place-finding services across the County as well as detailing emergency accommodation options including central placement, self-accommodate, family hubs and other supported accommodation.
The outreach service for rough sleepers across the County works with other agencies, including the HSE, in identifying rough sleepers and sourcing appropriate accommodation and support services.
The place-finding role assists families and individuals, either in temporary emergency accommodation or at risk of homelessness, to find private rented accommodation using the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) support and the enhanced Homeless HAP support as well as engaging with property agents to encourage the use of HAP/Homeless HAP in order to provide the quickest exits from homelessness.
Family hubs are currently available at Tallaght Cross, the High Street, Springfield and Firhouse while Riversdale House, Kiltipper and Killininny House provide accommodation for homeless single persons with additional placements available in 'step down/transitional' accommodation.
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. Additional options to support persons moving on from supported temporary accommodation continue to be explored and the Council is committed to the provision of housing first tenancies where appropriate.
Housing supply is the key solution to the current housing/homeless situation and this involves delivery of social homes through our construction programme, complemented by acquisition, Part Vs and through various leasing options and the private rental market. In addition, the Housing Department continues to maximise the effectiveness of existing and new social housing stock through allocations and transfers to help address the challenges provided by the current situation.