The Government will announce today it is spending less on emergency accommodation for homeless people and more on long-term accommodation support to help people escape homelessness.
The widespread use of emergency accommodation has been criticised by homeless support groups as expensive and inappropriate for families and children.
Minister of State Noel Ahern, who has responsibility for housing, will announce funding of €50 million for accommodation and related services for homeless persons in all local authority areas. Total funding represents a slight decrease on last year, when €51 million was spent by the State on homeless services.
Most of this money (€36.7 million) will go towards services in the Dublin area.
Less than one-third (€15.8 million) will be spent on emergency B&B-type accommodation in Dublin. In contrast, half of overall funding went towards emergency services in the capital in 2003.
"We are now in a position to look beyond the provision of emergency accommodation," Mr Ahern said. "Our focus must be on long-term accommodation and the non-accommodation supports required to enable the people involved to move out of homelessness."
He welcomed Dublin City Council's ongoing restructuring of the B&B sector, which has seen a significant reduction in use and cost of these facilities.
Over €17 million will be allocated to voluntary sector organisations involved in the provision of accommodation, outreach and day services for homeless people across the four Dublin local authority areas. The Homeless Agency, which co-ordinates homeless services in Dublin, welcomed the announcement.
Dr Derval Howley said: "The funding also provides frontline support and accommodation for people who are homeless. This includes street outreach, emergency accommodation, food and day services, practical support, nursing and GP services, detox and rehabilitation, and support for people leaving homelessness including settlement, transitional and long-term permanent accommodation."
Mr Ahern added that the Government was revising its homeless strategy and a key aim will be to continue helping homeless people move out of emergency accommodation into longer-term accommodation at the earliest opportunity.
Focus Ireland €3.9 million
Salvation Army €2.3 million
Simon Community €1.8 million
De Paul Trust €1.5 million
Merchants Quay - Failtiu €980,000
Crosscare €650,000
Sophia Housing Ass€487,900
Sonas Housing Ass €400,000
Sisters of Our Lady €352,200
Respond €220,300
