Download No Place Like Home resource here - Focus Ireland

Aonad 1Resource Sheet 2DOverview of homelessnessFocus Ireland includes three categories in their definition of homeless (O'Sullivan, 1996):• Visible Homeless: those sleeping rough and/or those accommodated in emergencyshelters or Bed and Breakfasts;• Hidden Homeless: those families or individuals involuntarily sharing with family andfriends, those in insecure accommodation or those living in housing that is woefullyinadequate or sub-standard; and• At risk of Homelessness: includes those who currently have housing but could possiblybecome homeless due to economic difficulties, too high a rent burden, insecure tenure,leaving state care or physical or mental health difficulties etc.[Source: www.focusireland.ie]Homelessness is a complex issue and there is rarely a simple explanation for someonebecoming homeless. Some causes include poverty, unemployment, lack of suitable supportservices, lack of social and affordable housing, family conflict, mental health difficulties,leaving institutional care and domestic violence among others.Being out of home can significantly impact on a person’s well-being. The effects ofhomelessness include uncertainty, low self-esteem, poor nutrition, poor physical and mentalhealth.Facts and figures• Between 5,000 snd 6,000 people are out of home in Ireland.• 43,684 people are on Local Authority waiting lists [Source: Housing Needs Assessment 2005]• Almost 1,000 Traveller families still live on the roadside in appalling conditions withoutaccess to water, sanitation and electricity. Many other Travellers live in officialaccommodation that is poorly serviced and maintained and often situated in unhealthy ordangerous locations. [Source: Pavee Point Travellers Centre, 2004]• Poverty is at the root of homelessness so it is important to note that 90,000 or 8% of allchildren in Ireland are living in poverty. [Source: www.barnardos.ie]33