The cost and standard of rental accommodation for those seeking housing assistance through the Donegal Domestic Violence Service have been called into question.
The Tirconnaill Tribune reports that rising rents, which are up 10% from this time last year, as well as properties that are totally unsuitable for young families fleeing domestic violence, is impacting greatly on Donegal Domestic Violence Service (DDVS) ability to help rehouse their clients and free up their own emergency accommodation for others in urgent need of it.
Manager of DDVS, Dr Marie Hainsworth, says that both issues are impacting on their ability to help those who need it most.
Her primary concern is the rising cost of rents which are well in excess of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme many of the service clients are in receipt of.
She says that these people are being “pushed into poverty” as the money they have for food and heating is often being used to top up their rental payments.
The Donegal Domestic Violence Service works to empower and support women to regain, reclaim and retain control of their lives and to live free from the fear of violence and of abuse.
Dr Hainsworth stated: “Those HAP payments were set two or three years ago I’d imagine, if not further back, and when you’re looking at 10% increase in rent in a quarter, or even if that was in a year, in two to three years you are quickly way behind. The reality is that the increases are a lot more than that.”
Dr Hainsworth said some families are now staying up to nine months in the service’s emergency accommodation, where the intended length of stay is two-three months.
As the demand for accommodation remains high, she said there are no incentives for rents to come down.
She said the standard of some of the rental properties available is very poor, yet landlords are seeking upwards of €650/month for some properties that are dirty, damp, with flaking paint and safety concerns over gas or electric fittings.
She added that in an ideal scenario the Donegal Domestic Violence Service would always have one property available for a family that requires it urgently as new cases come into them.
If you are affected by domestic violence can phone the 24 hour helpline 1800 262677 and talk with a trained worker who understands that you need to make choices at your own pace, and who will support and encourage you to do this. No one will force you to do anything, if you wish, you can remain anonymous. Visit: www.donegaldomesticviolenceservice.ie
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