It is regrettable that in recent days the state has failed to take this opportunity to publicly support this effort to address a national emergency, instead seeking to deny clear commitments made and to use law to effectively force some people back into unsuitable accommodation for their needs.
This has meant that citizens who are entitled to support services cannot access them in Apollo House due to a Court order. This is unsafe and therefore untenable.
Home Sweet Home announced on Monday 9th January that it is to be a permanent intervention in the nation’s housing policy and discussion.
This does not involve forcing vulnerable people who are in addiction recovery to enter a ‘wet environment’ against their wishes where their safety and welfare cannot be assured.
Accordingly Home Sweet Home as a public campaign will house those currently in Apollo House elsewhere until Minister Coveney and the support services deliver what they committed to last Friday 6 January 2017 – the short and long term needs of residents being met according to their needs.
Home Sweet Home will not be making these locations public in the interest of resident’s privacy but details will be provided to support services so that all supports will be available. Home Sweet Home will ensure that all of the matters agreed with Minister Coveney will be delivered and will continue its campaign to deliver on its ‘Emergency Housing Plan’ published on 5 January 2017.
Since Home Sweet Home (HSH) was launched the following has been achieved:
- No homeless person died on our streets over Christmas 2016, or since.
- Single night beds in hostels were turned into minimum six months beds where wanted by residents.
- Night time only beds have been made 24 hour beds.
- New and specific provision has been made for couples in emergency accommodation.
- Two new facilities have been gained which will support ‘own key’ independent living for our most vulnerable citizens where appropriate.
- Residents of Apollo House have enjoyed a warm, happy and special Christmas and New Year thanks to the generosity of the public and volunteers.
- A new level of public awareness has been brought to this homelessness and housing emergency focussing not just on bed numbers, but on raising the bar on the minimum standards of care available to all homeless people
- During the Apollo House occupation 76 people previously sleeping on our streets have been transitioned into stable beds.