Minister Browne marks success of Supported Housing for Youth (SHY) initiative supporting young adults out of homelessness
- Published on: 22 October 2025
- Last updated on: 22 October 2025
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD has today marked the success of the Supported Housing for Youth (SHY) initiative, highlighting its role in helping young adults who are experiencing homelessness to exit emergency accommodation and rebuild their lives.
The SHY project is a pilot initiative under Ireland’s Youth Homelessness Strategy 2023–2025, aimed at addressing the specific needs of young people aged 18–24 who are experiencing homelessness. Participants receive tailored supports to sustain their tenancy and access education, training, or employment. The programme is time-limited, with the goal of enabling independent living in long-term accommodation.
During the event which marked the first anniversary of the SHY programme, two service users shared personal accounts of the difference this initiative has made in their lives, emphasising its value in helping vulnerable young people build stable, independent futures.
Speaking at the event in Dublin, Minister Browne said:
“I was deeply taken by the testimony of a young people currently supported through the SHY initiative, and the profound impact it has had on their lives. Their experience underscores the importance of targeted, person-centred housing supports.
“Addressing homelessness remains a major priority for me and Government, and the Youth Homelessness Strategy is one part of our wider response. We recognise that young adults are a distinct cohort of individuals who require their own distinct housing solutions.
“This is why, my Department has recently approved further capital funding for the roll-out of the next phase of the programme to support more young people like those we heard from today.”
The SHY pilot was developed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE). The DRHE is managing the implementation of the pilot with Clúid Housing providing accommodation and Focus Ireland providing the wraparound supports.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam said;
"The supported Housing for Youth has been a successful initiative and I would like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts that have shaped this pilot; thanks to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage , the four Dublin Local Authorities and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, to Cluid Housing Association for providing the housing units and to Focus Ireland for providing the supports."
Niall Ó'Ceallacháin, Chief Operating Officer at Clúid, stated,
“Through the SHY project, Clúid has been able to step into the youth housing space in a real, practical way. Clúid has been providing great homes in thriving communities for 30 years, building up extensive experience in housing delivery and tenancy management.
Partnering with Focus Ireland, we’re ensuring young people have not just a roof over their heads, but a foundation to build on. It’s clear from the young people’s feedback that SHY is doing more than providing housing. It’s instilling confidence and opportunity. Together with the Department, the local authorities and our partners at Focus, we’re building more than homes. We’re building futures in great places to live.”
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said:
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through the SHY pilot. This initiative shows what’s possible when policy, partnership, and purpose come together. The Department’s leadership through the Youth Homelessness Strategy has been vital in making SHY a reality. As the Strategy concludes, we look forward to the results of the evaluation and hope to continue working closely with the Department to ensure SHY is mainstreamed as a key national response to youth homelessness.”
An independent evaluation of the pilot is currently underway and will conclude mid-2026. This evaluation will inform the roll-out of SHY across the country.
Kirsty’s Story
“My key worker provides great supports such as employment help and for advocating what I need.
My SHY accommodation is a beautiful simple single bedroom apartment. It’s very comfortable and has great furniture. Location is perfect. The apartment is in perfect condition. I am in a single bedroom apartment and it’s going great I have lots of space.
My life before SHY was okay, but I didn’t get much success with housing and I was living in a hostel. My life after SHY is going great, I am about to be housed soon permanently and I also have temporary accommodation for now while I’m waiting to get that new permanent apartment.
I wouldn’t change anything about SHY to be honest, I thought they were great service and excellent key working advocacy. I am glad that I got the chance to connect with SHY….. I give it 5 stars.”
Notes
- A national Youth Homelessness Strategy was published in November 2022 which aims to help young people aged 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It sets out 27 key actions to prevent youth homelessness; improve the experiences of young people accessing emergency accommodation; and assist young people in exiting homelessness.
- One of the main actions in the Strategy is to develop a pilot of a housing-led intervention for young people, Supported Housing for Youth (SHY). The pilot aims to move 25 young people from homeless emergency accommodation in Dublin into their own accommodation with wraparound supports. The pilot commenced in 2024 and will conclude in 2026.
Ends