Posts

There are currently 56 families living in emergency B&B accommodation in Limerick, an increase of 38% in a one month period.

Una Burns, Head of Policy and Communications with Novas stated that they expect this number to increase further due to the number of homes in mortgage arrears and continued rent increases in the city and county.

Novas’ Intensive Family Support Service, which is funded by the HSE and Limerick City and County Council, works with more than 90 families a month, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Burns notes that ‘Novas’ family service has been providing support for more than 10 years, with a caseload of approximately 40 families a month. About twelve months ago the service increased capacity to meet demand and there has been unprecedented numbers presenting since’. Figures for the end of June show the service worked with 97 families, comprising of 227 children.

Of the sudden increase in families living in B&B, Burns noted a number of reasons: ‘Many of our clients were living in private rented accommodation and their landlords were selling. They were thus forced to move out and are now unable to secure any alternative accommodation in the private rented market. Furthermore, a number of families were hidden homeless, sofa-surfing and living in overcrowded and substandard accommodation for long periods of time before presenting as homeless. This type of arrangement inevitably breaks down and young families are forced to present as homeless. Due to the dearth of both social housing and rented accommodation in the city, families are placed in B&B’s.’

The numbers currently living in B&B accommodation in the city are unprecedented and the rate of growth is of serious concern. This type of accommodation is wholly unsuitable to family wellbeing, with children often a considerable distance from their school, their friends and their known environment. There are no washing or cooking facilities and families sleep, wash and play in one room.

Novas’ Intensive Family Support service has a dedicated B&B worker who supports families living in this type of accommodation with homework clubs, transporting children to school, accessing long-term accommodation, life-skills and money management.

Due to the unprecedented nature of the arrangement, the extent of trauma experienced by children living in hotels is yet to unfold and will have a significant impact on a generation of children who have no place to call home. Novas urge government to address this issue with urgency. Our existing built environment offers an opportunity to provide homes through accessing vacant properties in our local communities. In Limerick city more than 10% of all property is vacant. More social housing must be provided to reduce our over-reliance on the private rented market.’