Sorca Clarke highlights the need for Midlands Homelessness to be addressed

Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath has recently spoken out regarding the rising levels of homelessness in the Midlands.

“As the temperature drops, the urgency for immediate action from the government on housing has never been more serious.

“With colder months still to come, it is vital that every single person in Longford, Westmeath and all across Ireland has a roof over their head,” she explains.

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According to the latest figures from the Department of Housing 234 people in the Midlands accessed emergency accommodation in December.

“Following the release of these numbers, the government is setting a target of housing 26 homeless in the region over the next two years. This target couldn’t be less ambitious if they tried. What about the other 208 people who are equally deserving of housing, and the many others who have not been accounted for in these figures, who may be couch surfing, living with relatives, those in women's refuges and IPAS accommodation?

The Department of Housing’s homeless report for November recorded over 15,000 adults and children in department-funded emergency accommodation for the first time.

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“We must not forget that behind every number and statistic is a real person who has their own unique story.

“Sinn Féin will continue to make the case for a radical reset of housing policy as set out in our housing plan ‘A Home of Your Own’.

“Sinn Féin firmly believes that ending long-term homelessness by 2030 is still possible. But only if a real plan is in place to reduce the number of people becoming homeless and that gets people in emergency accommodation out of homelessness more quickly,” she concluded.

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