Sir, – Depaul’s latest impact report, “Frontline Prevention – Shaping the Present, Looking to the Future”, shows that, while significant progress has been made helping people move out of homelessness and into long-term homes, the growing scale and complexity of demand is placing unprecedented pressure on frontline services.
Last year, 8,204 people were supported by Depaul across Ireland and Northern Ireland, including 2,574 children, a 12 per cent increase on the previous year. Demand from families rose sharply with 1,456 families supported, a 28 per cent increase in just one year.
Behind these figures are families and individuals facing homelessness alongside increasingly complex challenges, including mental health concerns and addiction. The pressure is particularly evident in mental health. Reported mental health concerns increased by 93 per cent in 2025, with 1,361 service users reporting support needs. Depaul team members also responded to 273 incidents of suicidal ideation and 129 incidents of self-harm.
At the same time, the report demonstrates what can be achieved when people have access to the right support and housing. In 2025, 914 households and 1,452 individuals moved out of homelessness and into long-term homes. This is a clear demonstration that homelessness is not inevitable.
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In advance of Budget 2027, we are calling on the Government to maintain and increase investment in social and affordable housing, strengthen prevention, mental health and addiction supports, accelerate Housing First and provide sustainable funding for frontline services. We also need sustainable accommodation solutions for people in the international protection system, and a State-led approach to reducing reliance on temporary accommodation.
Prevention must remain at the heart of the response, ensuring people receive support before homelessness becomes entrenched. Those most vulnerable also need the right mental health, addiction and community supports to build stable lives, develop a sense of belonging and become part of thriving communities.
The progress made in 2025 shows what is possible. But without urgent Government action, rising demand will continue to place frontline services under increasing strain while more families, children and individuals risk being left without a secure place to call home. – Yours, etc,
DAVID CARROLL,
Depaul chief executive,
Dublin.
