A GOVERNMENT commitment to end long-term homelessness by 2010 can still be achieved despite the recession, the Simon Communities of Ireland said yesterday as it announced details of Simon Week 2009.
The week, which begins next Monday, will focus on the Government commitments to end rough sleeping and long-term homelessness by 2010. It will involve lobbying politicians, highlighting the work being done in Simon shelters and distributing information packs to schools.
Research conducted by NFP Synergy on behalf of the homeless charity has found that more than 80 per cent of people believe that the number of people becoming homeless will increase as a result of the current economic climate.
Patrick Burke, chief executive of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said it was very important that Irish people understood that homelessness never went away during the years of the Celtic Tiger.
“People who are sleeping rough and people who are homeless for a very long time are the most vulnerable people in Ireland today. The recent economic downturn means that even more people than before are at risk of becoming homeless.”
He said the Simon communities around the State were bracing themselves for the increase in calls for help in the coming months.
“Now, more than ever, Simon needs your support to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in our society,” he said.
Mr Burke encouraged people to visit the www.simon.ie website to find out what they could do to help end homelessness.
