Dublin Simon Community Reports 25% Surge in Homeless Services Demand

Demand for services offered by the Dublin Simon Community surged by 25% in 2024, as detailed in the charity’s annual report. The organization’s outreach team engaged in over 8,000 interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness in Dublin, providing crucial support to 1,722 unique persons throughout the year. This increase highlights the growing need for assistance in the capital, according to the charity.

The report indicates that the charity adopted a “dual approach” to address homelessness, focusing on immediate emergency responses while also investing in long-term solutions. Data from the Department of Housing reveals a 10% rise in the number of individuals in emergency accommodation across the country from January to December 2024. During this period, the number of individuals seeking emergency shelter in Dublin rose by 8%.

“Throughout 2024, we accommodated more than 1,250 men, women, and children each night across our emergency, treatment, and housing services,” said Catherine Kenny, CEO of the Dublin Simon Community. “This provided people with the dignity of a roof over their heads. We also delivered 350,000 nutritious meals across our services.”

In addition to emergency accommodation, Dublin Simon Community offered a range of supportive services. Its Sure Steps Counselling teams provided 1,920 hours of one-to-one counselling and crisis suicide intervention. Kenny emphasized that the charity’s care extends “far beyond the streets,” incorporating treatment and recovery services for individuals confronting both homelessness and addiction.

Dublin Simon Community also introduced independent housing units, tenancy support, and homelessness prevention services. “In total, we made home a reality for 1,570 individuals this year. Only through combining crisis intervention with sustainable solutions can we effectively break the cycle of homelessness,” Kenny noted.

In 2024, the charity reported that 814 people received medical treatment through its detox and recovery services. The opening of a new health and addiction care facility at Usher’s Island in October 2023 marked a significant milestone for the organization. This facility aims to relieve pressure on public hospitals and is expected to support between 1,200 and 1,400 adults annually once fully operational.

Dublin Simon Community has evolved over its 55 years of operation, adapting to the pressing needs of the community. “While we are proud to have helped thousands, our founding members would be horrified to see the current scale of the crisis and the growing number of individuals relying on our support,” Kenny remarked. “Tragically, our assistance is needed now more than ever. We will continue to fight and support the most vulnerable in our society.”

This comprehensive report underscores the urgent need for resources and support in addressing homelessness in Dublin, as the demand for services continues to rise.