About Homelessness

There is no one simple definition of homelessness. Sleeping on the streets or sleeping rough is the most extreme form of homelessness – often referred to as roofless. The vast majority of people who are homeless in Cork are not sleeping rough. There are currently enough emergency beds in Cork so that no one has to sleep rough.

Sleeping rough is not the only form of homelessness:

  • Some people who are homeless stay in emergency shelters such as Cork Simon’s Emergency Shelter on Anderson’s Quay;
  • Some may be staying in insecure housing such as staying with relatives or friends on a temporary basis or in squats;
  • People in insecure housing may be under threat of eviction or of domestic violence. Some may be staying in temporary B&B’s or refuges;
  • Some may be about to be released from institutions such as hospitals, prisons or children’s institutions where housing has not been identified prior to release;
  • Some people may be living in overcrowded conditions or in housing unfit for habitation; and
  • Some may be staying in temporary structures such as tents.

One aspect of homelessness is being roofless, being houseless, living in insecure housing or living in inadequate housing. This has a detrimental affect on people’s health and well-being, causing stress and countless practical difficulties, which is another, equally harmful, aspect of homelessness.

Being homeless can make you sick; being sick can make you homeless. People who are homeless are often in poor mental and physical health. Drug and alcohol addiction can be an issue. Broken families, poor upbringings, inadequate education, dreadful life circumstances, unemployment, can all be contributing factors to homelessness. People who are most vulnerable and excluded often experience a combination of some or all of these factors, usually referred to as complex needs.

The most recent Government figures on homelessness in Ireland were gathered in 2008 and published in 2009 as part of the Local Authority Assessment of Social Housing Needs:

  • Total Households: 56,249
  • Homeless Households: 1,394
  • Travellers: 1,317
  • Persons living in accommodation that is unfit or materially unsuitable: 1,757
  • Persons living in accommodation which is overcrowded: 4,805
  • Persons sharing accommodation involuntarily and having requirements for separate accommodation: 4,844
  • Young persons leaving institutional care or without family accommodation: 715
  • Persons in need of accommodation for medical or compassionate reasons: 8,059
  • Elderly persons: 2,499
  • Disabled or handicapped persons: 1,155
  • Persons not reasonably able to meet the cost of the accommodation they are occupying or to obtain suitable alternative accommodation: 29,583

Throughout 2010 a total of 757 people turned to Cork Simon Community for support.

  • 412 people stayed at our Emergency Shelter, which was full every night.
  • 444 people used Cork Simon’s Day Service.
  • 145 people were supported by Cork Simon’s housing projects.

15% of people turning to Cork Simon Community for support throughout 2010 were women. 35% were in the 18-34 year old age group.
The people who turn to Cork Simon are among the most marginalised, vulnerable and excluded. They include women as well as men, young people in their late teens and twenties as well as older people.

People’s physical and mental health is poor and addiction is also often an issue. Whilst some people are at greater risk of homelessness because of their life circumstances, Cork Simon supports people from all walks of life.

In 2010 Cork Simon Community conducted a health study among all people using Cork Simon projects and services during the last week of July. Homelessness Makes You Sick found that:

  • 66% had a mental health condition – 39% diagnosed and a further 27% displayed symptoms suggesting a mental health condition, but at the time of the Health Study had not been diagnosed.
  • 14% had two or more diagnosed mental health conditions.
  • The most common mental health conditions were Depression, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.
  • 49% had a diagnosed physical health condition.
  • The most common physical health conditions were Wounds and Injuries, Heart related conditions and Respiratory Disorders.
  • 20% had both a physical and mental health condition
  • 83% of people used alcohol.
  • 27% reported complications as a result of alcohol, indicating problem alcohol use.
  • 45% of people used drugs – 14% were intravenous drug users and 4% reported complications as a result of intravenous drug use.
  • 51% of people were referred to health services
  • 14% of people were admitted to A&E during the month of July 2010.
  • 13% of people self-harmed
  • 8% of people had attempted suicide in the previous six months.

Download Homelessness Makes You Sick

Cork Simon response to homelessness starts on the street with the basics, a kind word, food and shelter. We provide emergency shelter and work with other organisations in Cork to ensure that there are enough beds so that no one has to sleep rough. As well as supporting people living in flats and apartments, Cork Simon has five houses across Cork City that are home to forty-seven men and women who need high levels of round-the-clock care and support. We provide access to health care, counseling, activities, education and training. Above all Cork Simon is understanding about people’s past, focusing on the practical needs of the person to-day; and by believing in people, giving hope for a better future through friendship and community.