Providing Good Quality Emergency Accommodation and Support

The Government is committed to making sure that people experiencing homelessness have access to safe, good quality emergency accommodation and the support they need.

• More Funding for Emergency Housing
  The Government will increase funding to help local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) provide and maintain emergency and transitional housing for people who are homeless.
• Better Support for People in Emergency Accommodation
  Extra support will be given to people in emergency housing—especially children and those with complex needs like mental health issues, physical health problems, or addiction.
• Joined-Up Government Approach
  The Department of Housing and the Department of Health, along with the HSE and local authorities, are working together to review how funding is used for housing and health services.
  They aim to agree on the best way to fund services so that accommodation and care are accessible and high quality.

Some people experiencing homelessness face serious challenges, such as:

• Mental health issues
• Physical health problems
• Addiction

These challenges can make it harder for them to find and keep stable housing. Without the right support, they may stay in emergency accommodation for long periods.

To help, the Department of Health and the HSE will:

• Improve integrated care pathways to meet the long-term health needs of people who are homeless.
• Make sure health support plans are in place for every household that needs them.
• Use a person-centred approach, where care is flexible and tailored to each person’s needs.
• Provide in-reach and floating support services that follow people across different care systems.