The Simon Communities in Ireland have launched a campaign asking for the public’s support in urging the Government to put the homeless and housing crisis at the top of the Cabinet agenda. Simon Community states that the Government response to the current situation is inadequate. The Simon Communities also launched their Pre Budget Submission, ‘Changing the forecast – addressing the homeless and housing crisis.’

Niamh Randall, National Spokesperson for the Simon Communities, speaking about the Homeless Forecast campaign, expressed concern that the Government were not addressing the crisis with the measures and urgency it needs.

“People who are homeless are being failed time and time again by the state. It is unacceptable to expect people in emergency shelters or sleeping rough now to wait two years to have a place to call home. People need homes now. The Simon Communities are working to change the outlook for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. But to do so significant and urgent Government action is required. This crisis requires a whole of Government response – it is not possible for one Minister or one Government department to do this alone.

“Our campaign, www.simonhomelessforecast.ie, urges people to send a letter to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tanaiste Joan Burton demanding that they bring this critical situation to the top of the Government’s agenda. They have the power to make the changes needed. Urgent action must be taken because the future for people who are homeless in this country is very bleak,” she said.

Congress motion

In July, IMPACT trade union’s motion to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference called for a coordinated plan to ensure housing provision, an end to homelessness and adequate security of tenure, including the regulation of rents through an indexation system similar to systems in use in other EU countries.

The motion received the unanimous backing of delegates at the conference, and follows IMPACT’s Roof is a Right campaign. IMPACT represents staff working in homeless services across the community and voluntary sector.