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NOVAS broadly welcome the Government’s Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland and the specific commitments it makes to young people and families, as well as its recognition of the enduring difficulties experienced by single homeless individuals in securing suitable, permanent accommodation.

NOVAS’ CEO, Michael Goulding welcomes the ‘inter-departmental and inter-agency approach to tackling the crisis and the ambitious target of providing 47,000 units of social housing during the life-time of the plan, which will transform communities throughout Ireland. The commitment to support homeless people in terms of their mental health and addiction combined with the housing-led approach of the plan is heartening. It is important that the government and the relevant departments within, recognise the complex needs of homeless people.’

The recognition of particularly vulnerable groups, including families and young people is very important and the commitment to significantly reduce the use of emergency accommodation for families within 12 months is most welcome. Interim measures to improve the quality of life of young children living in b&b accommodation is also vital.

NOVAS welcomes the commitment in the report to prevent homelessness through the extension of HAP and other incentives as well as specific measures to support groups most at risk of homelessness, including young adults leaving state care. It is essential to support these young adults, who disproportionately make up the homeless population in Ireland. The commitment to develop a dedicated service for pregnant homeless women in Dublin is also important and represents the changing homeless demographic in the state.

The plan demonstrates a sense of urgency and intent by government and a strong understanding of the inter-departmental approach required to end the current housing and homeless emergency. We welcome the commitment by government and the specific targets that have been outlined.

The full report can be read here.