The North West Simon Community has reported an increasing number of people couch surfing or living in overcrowded conditions because they cannot afford to rent a home.
The charity says there is an ever-widening chasm between the cost of rents and the level of support available through the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAP).
“This is the reality facing an increasing number of the people North West Simon Community support every day, and stay where you are if at all possible, is the best advice we can give to all those who contact us,” says Noel Daly General Manager of North West Simon Community.
Mr Daly was speaking following the publication of the latest Locked Out Report which found a severe lack of properties available to rent that were affordable within current Housing Assistance Payment limits.
The Simon Communities of Ireland found there was just one property – in the entire country – that was available to rent for a single person within HAP limits.
Noel Daly said: “At the present time, North West Simon Community is actively supporting 104 households, and of these just under 20% are in reasonably secure accommodation which is either provided or supported by the local authorities – 18 in Donegal and 2 in Sligo.
“The North West Simon Community Resettlement and Tenancy Sustainment Service delivered in partnership with Donegal County Council is a key component of maintaining these households in their current homes and we badly need more of this type of proactive support service across the North West region.
“Of the remaining households, supported by North West Simon Community on November 1st 2021, 28 households were Sofa Surfing, 13 were involuntarily sharing in overcrowded accommodation, 11 had received eviction notices, 11 were in Emergency Accommodation, 4 were in hospital, 2 people were sleeping in tents, 2 had recently been evicted, 1 person was living in a caravan, and 1 person was sleeping in a car.”
Mr Daly said the solution to Homelessness is a Home.
“While we await the increased supply of new houses promised in Housing For All, there is an urgent need to review the rates payable under HAP and to provide a wider range early intervention and homeless preventative measures to help people keep a roof over their head.”
The North West Simon Community is calling on Government to support the Simon Prevention Bill. This Christmas, the charity is also calling on the public to supprot their local appeal:
North West Simon Community Christmas Appeal Is More Important Now Than Ever!
Ways you can support NW Simon this Christmas:
- Host a Christmas Jumper Day in your workplace, school, college, crèche, youth group – Get started here https://www.idonate.ie/event/3161_christmas-jumper-day.html
- Donate a Gift Voucher, no amount is too small, and every voucher will be used effectively and transparently to help make a difference to the people we work with and help to relieve some of the financial pressure that an individual or family may be facing at Christmas.
- Sing for Simon – Choirs, companies, schools, and even groups of friends can join in the musical fun by Singing for Simon. Gather your group and arrange your carol singing event in your local area, OR, if you would like to support the charity this Christmas with a momentary donation please visit www.northwestsimon.ie/donate.now
For further details contact: collette@northwestsimon.ie / 087 0552478
