There has been no decrease in the number of homeless people seeking help in the Mid-West region in the run up to christmas.
There has been no decrease in the number of homeless people seeking help in the Mid-West region in the run up to christmas.
The General Manager of Midwest Simon is commenting following the release of the Simon Community's annual report, which shows that 8,000 people contacted the charity for help last year, an increase of 26%.
MidWest Simon had hoped that a new mental health strategy included in the Rebuilding Ireland Plan would lead to a decrease in the number of people seeking accommodation, but the charity says that hasn't been the case over the past number of weeks.
The Simon Community has released its annual report which shows that two and a half thousand chidren alone will be spending the coming weeks in emergency accommodation.
Five families have been placed into emergency accommodation in the midwest region for the holiday period, but it's not a longterm solution for them.
General Manager of MidWest Simon, Jackie bonfield has expressed hope that Government PLans aimed at tackling the housing and homelessness issue, will make an impact in the new year.
Meanwhile, a Clare campaigner for the homeless believes the Government has become desensitised to the needs of the people they should be serving.
Ann Rynne from Miltown Malbay recently briefed Clare County Council on the crisis in Ennis, and says there are six people sleeping under hedges in the county town this week.
Anne believes the homeless crisis has been talked about for far too long and insists that now is the time for action.
