8,830 people are now homeless across the country.
That's the figure for October, and is up from 8,475 in September.
2,513 children are homeless, according to the stats released by the Department of Housing.
Focus Ireland is deeply concerned that the number of people homeless has now risen for the 5th month in a row as new figures report 8,830 homeless in October. This is a worrying increase of 355 more homeless since Sept. pic.twitter.com/fNfujyUFJI
— FocusIreland (@FocusIreland) November 26, 2021
Dublin Simon Community says it's a worrying trend, as this is the fifth month that numbers in emergency accommodation have increased, with CEO Sam McGuinness adding: "If numbers in emergency accommodation continue on the worrying trajectory of the last few months, at least 6,335 men, women and children will be spending Christmas in emergency accommodation.
"Our staff, nurses, clients and residents are now preparing for Christmas within the fourth Covid wave. As it is, Christmas is an incredibly challenging time for people experiencing homelessness. It can trigger childhood trauma, make them think about family and friends they no longer see and serve as a stark reminder of the loneliness and uncertainty of their current circumstances.
"It’s particularly tough for the single women and men in our services, many of whom have nowhere else to go on the day."
