Cork Simon welcomes Europe wide declaration to end homelessness

Thursday, 17 June 2021 07:57

Efforts to stop people falling into homelessness at a European level will give charities a much needed 'breathing space'.

That's the view of Cork Simon Community who are welcoming a Europe wide declaration to end homelessness by 2030.

The declaration will be signed by the Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien and will be launched on Monday in Lisbon, Portugal.

The signing means Ireland is agreeing to promote the prevention of homelessness, access to permanent housing and services for homeless people.

Speaking to RedFM News, Paul Sheehan from Cork Simon Community the lack of rental accommodation needs to be addressed.

"Obviously access to permanent housing is the absolute key.

"There is a severe shortage of housing, the cost of housing is far too high.

"Many people in emergency accommodation or experiencing homelessness at the moment is pretty much depending on the private rental market for housing, and that's well beyond their reach.

"That's something that will have to be addressed as a matter of urgency."