DePaul: Increasing numbers of homeless women cause for "concern"

Irish homeless charity Depaul recently expressed concern over the increasing level of women entering homelessness, and warned that the situation will likely get worse.

The number of women experiencing homelessness in Ireland has expanded by 600 in just the last year, a number Depaul attributes to the rising costs of living.

February statistics from the Central Statistics Office reveal that electricity bills within the country are now 62.7% higher than they were at the start of 2022. Gas bills have risen by 86.3%, and private rents by 10.4%, and this was before the termination of the eviction ban.

Even as emergency accommodations reach capacity, Depaul warns that the March legislation will lead many more into homelessness in the coming months.

"I think there’s certainly a feeling now that we are entering a period that we’ve haven’t seen before and that there’s an unprecedented possibility of a really high number coming into services," Depaul Senior Services Manager, Niamh Thornton, told RTÉ.

Use the opportunity to have important conversations around what it is like to be homeless in Ireland today.

In Ireland, 11,742 people are currently accessing temporary accommodation, a figure that doesn't include those sleeping in cars, tents or on the streets.

— Depaul (@DepaulIreland) April 4, 2023

Waterford's current homelessness levels are the worst the city has ever seen, remarked John Dermody, another Senior Services Manager with Depaul.

The Waterford accommodation, initially set up for men, recently opened its doors to women, impelled a shortage of temporary accommodations.

Domestic violence and family breakups reportedly play a large part in the increasing number of women who need accommodation.

Due to the shortage, women are also being forced to leave their children in the care of family members.

Depaul will have 'Sleep Out' on May 19th, 2023 at Trinity College. Money raised will go toward the homeless and prevention services Depaul provides.