Homeless charity, Merchant's Quay Ireland says 11,300 people accessed its food, shelter and medical services last year.
That's a nine percent increase on the previous year according to its 2018 Annual Review. The number of people visiting the charity's nursing team doubled to over 3,300, while 2,000 people accessed its emergency shelters, up 11 percent.
There was also a six percent rise in the numbers using its drug addiction services, while 169 people received treatment through the organisation's rehab services.
Chief Executive, Paula Byrne, says the numbers show increased supports from government are badly needed:
"For us it is housing for single people and we also see a lot of couples around, we have seen about 29 couples now that are homeless that won't go into emergency accommodation because there is limited facilities for couples."
