MOST homeless people in Clare are women, with domestic violence cited as the primary reason in the majority of cases in the county.

 

Figures outlined in the draft Clare Homelessness Action Plan highlight that in 2012, there were 304 people deemed homeless in Clare. Of this, 160 were women and 144 were men. The majority of homeless people, 122, fell in the age range of 20 to 29.

Two-hundred-and-twelve of these people cited Clare as their county of origin, with the next highest figure of 27 coming from County Limerick. Twelve came from an accession state, 12 were non-EU, three from the EU and five from the UK.

The report outlines the primary reasons given for people’s homelessness. Domestic violence was named in 83 cases. Among the figures showcasing where these people were placed, it emerged 107 were placed in a hostel or refuge; 80 lived with family or friends; 39 were in private rented accommodation; 34 returned home; 22 in a bed and breakfast and 15 were not placed.

The draft action plan was unveiled at this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, where Councillor Brian Meaney requested the category of ‘habitual residence’ be addressed in the plan.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Mary Howard described the statistics as telling a “heartbreaking story”, while Councillor Mary Coote Ryan said “it makes for hard reading”. Councillor Frankie Neylon commented that Ennis’ recent reputation in relation to homeless people has been damaged. “This is not fair, this town has been looking after people from outside for over 50 years,” he said. He said there are currently 1,000 people on the local authority’s housing waiting list and he commented that some people are homeless by choice. “I don’t want to see anybody homeless, we have to work with people to ensure nobody sleeps on the streets in Ennis or County Clare.”

Councillor Paul O’Shea stated the figures do not take into consideration the “rampant” “sofa surfing” among the town’s young people since the reduction in Jobs Seekers Allowance.
Councillor Michael Guilfoyle highlighted his concerns about the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), saying people are being given homes without follow-up assessment.

He commented, “It’s easy to be supportive of something when its not beside you.”
“There are many agencies out there assisting people but no one wants a drug or alcohol-addicted person living next door to them. I received a letter from a lady living next to a house rented by the HSE under RAS, the landlord is getting a few bob and living in luxury in Spain or somewhere but there is no back-up or follow-up on how the tenant is. This is causing difficulty. The landlord is not there to maintain their house, there is antisocial behaviour. People are living next door to others and they have no responsibilities. There are a lot of good people who go into the RAS scheme but there needs to be a follow-up. Legislation should be drawn up as quick, as they drew up legislation that got rid of town councils.”

Councillor Johnny Flynn asked that the proposal for a wet hostel in Ennis be included in the plan.

The draft plan includes proposed actions relating to the central placement of homeless people, education, addictions, mental health, domestic abuse and delivering effective prevention of homelessness.
The Clare Homelessness Action Plan 2013 – 2018 has been developed by the Clare Homelessness Alliance (CHA), which is representative of service providers in the county. The CHA provides a forum for the sharing of information and development of awareness of issues and services impacting on the homeless. It also promotes best practice in service delivery and provides essential links between service providers.

The plan will assist in the delivery of the Mid-West Regional Homelessness Action Plan 2013 – 2018. According to Councillor Patricia McCarthy, chairperson of the Clare Homelessness Alliance, “The strategic actions outlined in the plan are targetted to assist those experiencing homelessness, as far as possible, and secondly to minimise the duration and occurance of homelessness in accordance with national policy. The delivery of the actions contained in the plan will provide a key level of involvement to voluntary and statutory groups at local level.”

 

New directory from alliance

A directory featuring information on the range of services and supports available to homeless persons has been launched by the Clare Homelessness Alliance (CHA).

The directory of services is produced by CHA member agencies, including the Society of St Vincent de Paul, HSE, the Department of Social Protection, ClareCare, An Garda Síochána, Mid-West Simon Community, Clare Probation Services, Clare Haven Services, Clare County Council and Kilrush and Ennis Town Councils.

Established in early 2012, Clare Homelessness Alliance is currently developing a five-year action plan to deliver on the objectives in the Homeless Strategy National Implementation Plan and the Mid-West Regional Homelessness Action Plan 2013-2018, which was recently adopted by the Limerick, North Tipperary and Clare Local Authorities.

Launching the directory of services, Councillor Patricia McCarthy, chair of Clare County Council’s Housing and Cultural Services SPC, outlined how the agencies involved in providing services for homeless persons came together last year as they recognised the growing need to address the issue of homelessness in a coherent manner.

“The directory is the initial outcome of this co-ordinated approach and sets out information in relation to services and supports available to homeless persons, including necessary contact details.

“CHA members have been aware that the number of homeless has been on the increase in recent years.

“The plight of the homeless and the need to ensure that every effort is made to redress the problem was highlighted in recent weeks as a result of the tragic death of a homeless person in Ennis.

Councillor McCarthy added, “CHA will continue to provide a forum for the sharing of information and development of awareness of issues and services impacting on the homeless. Its members will also promote best practice in service delivery and provides essential links between services providers,” Councillor McCarthy said.