Single person could wait decade for a house in Dublin, says homeless agency

Homelessness charity Daisyhouse Housing Association has said it could fill double its available housing stock almost immediately, such is the current shortage of homes to meet the demand in Dublin.

Speaking in Dublin last night, at a reception to mark the 25th anniversary of Daisyhouse, chairman Paul Duignan said the recession had made problems that cause homelessness worse, but resulting cutbacks meant supported housing was not becoming available.

“It can take a single person up to 10 years to get a council house in Dublin,” he said.

"People become homeless due to a variety of causes including relationship breakdowns, unemployment, addiction and various other traumatic events. If people are to get out of homelessness and stay out if it, they need support to deal with the underlying issues that caused them to become homeless in the first place," he said.

Homeless women
Daisyhouse provides supported housing for single homeless women in an effort to help them regain the confidence and self-esteem required to live independently and reach their full potential, he said.

He also announced the appointment of former Supreme Court Judge Catherine McGuinness as patron of Daisyhouse. "We are privileged that she has agreed to become patron of Daisyhouse and we look forward to working with her." Daisyhouse provides housing and support for 38 people.