To ask the Chief Executive what plans are in place to deal with the ever-growing homeless problem in SDCC and is there any plan to provide additional homeless emergency accommodation to cater for these emergencies?
REPLY:
SDCC will continue to actively engage with a number of initiatives to support persons homeless or at risk of homelessness:
Threshold Prevention Service – This prevention service was established in September 2014 and endeavours to support families at risk of becoming homeless from Private Rented Accommodation. This service provides advice and information on tenants rights; ensures correct procedures are followed when serving a notice to quit and actively engages with Department of Social Protection on matters relating to rent supplement and rent caps.
SDCC Homeless Services Unit will continue to operate our drop-in service for advice, information, advocacy, initial assessment and if required emergency bed placement.
Approximately 90 families / individuals have been housed through SDCC Homeless Service Unit as at the 30th September 2014 into Social Housing, Approved Body Housing, Long-term Supported Housing or Private Rented Accommodation.
SDCC Outreach Service will continue to operate drop-in clinics in partnership with CARP and BYFS to support service users who may be sleeping rough, secure emergency bed placements, ensure registration with the local authority and provide essential links to local supports such as health, mental health, addiction, social welfare, education and training.
In July 2014, SDCC in partnership with Peter McVerry Trust increased the capacity of our Supported Temporary Accommodation facility (STA) for single men and will continue to provide supported housing & key-working services
SDCC will continue to work in partnership with the Focus Ireland Tenancy Sustainment Service & Dublin Simon Support to Live Independently to support tenants to maintain and thrive in their tenancies.
SDCC are investigating the possibility of additional supported housing facilities into the future and will report to the Housing, Social and Community Development SPC on same.
