Peter McVerry Trust Statement on December 2021 Homeless Figures

Peter McVerry Trust, the national housing and homeless charity, has said it welcomes a slight decrease in the number of people recorded in the official homeless figures. The December 2021 figures, released this afternoon by the Department of Housing, show that 8,914 people were homeless. This is a decrease of 185 people on the November 2021 figures.

This is the first decrease in the monthly national homeless figures since last May.

Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust said, “Any decrease of the number of people in homelessness is to be welcomed. December is typically one of the busiest months for the homeless sector so it’s positive to see even a small drop, it moves us in the right direction.”

“We need to continue to work with our partners and local authorities to deliver not only additional emergency accommodation, but also long-term social housing solutions.”

“Peter McVerry Trust is committed to expanding our Housing First programme under the Government’s recently published Housing First National Implementation Plan for 2022-2026 – giving entrenched rough sleepers not only the key to their own door but also the supports they need to keep maintain and retain their tenancy. Housing First is key to the long-term reduction of homelessness.”

“Peter McVerry Trust is also working to deliver more social housing across Ireland through the regeneration of derelict or vacant buildings. These properties, located in the heart of rural towns, provide great opportunities to rejuvenate local communities and deliver sustainable pathways for people out of homelessness.”