‘Joined-up thinking’ on homeless crisis

Sir, – I find baffling Taoiseach Kenny's comment ("Figures for homeless children in Dublin double in a year," August 15th) that the solution to the homeless crisis is not a matter of money but of "joined-up thinking".

What, I wonder, is disjointed about Focus Ireland’s call for rent controls, an increase in rent supplement and a directive ensuring no homeless family will be refused a bed?

The prospect of 1,185 children beginning the school year as homeless is unconscionable.

What we need, it would appear, is for every parent, every teacher, every taxpayer to express their joined-up thinking, to write to their representative urging immediate action on Focus Ireland’s proposals.

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– Yours, etc,

PATRICIA RODDY

Dún Laoghaire,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – Heartbreaking events dominate our news: homelessness for families in Irish cities, likewise homelessness for thousands of refugees fleeing war and violence in their own countries, many dying on their journeys.  May I suggest a way which we Irish people could help?

Some years ago, Sister Stan, founder of Focus Ireland, persuaded her fellow religious to hand over redundant convents in Dublin which were then adapted into family apartments, housing homeless families

Today many religious congregations have problems with ageing members in large, unsuitable buildings. These are priests, nuns and brothers who served Irish people so well, now in need of full-time care themselves.

With goodwill and planning these large buildings could be adapted into apartments to house homeless families in our cities.  A similar exercise could be done in Irish towns to house homeless refugees.– Yours, etc,

Fr CON McGILLICUDDY

Sacred Heart Residence,

Raheny,

Dublin 5.