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Homelessness in Dublin
Would you notice if 2 euro fell from your pocket?
Between the recession and the outrageous apathy on the part of the government, homelessness has become a major problem in Dublin. It is an issue that confronts us every day, yet it is rarely highlighted in the media. These ‘invisible’ homeless people line the streets day and night with no move from the government to implement more welfare housing. This is despite the stagnant property market giving them a cost saving opportunity.
On any given night in the Dublin city area, there could be 90 people sleeping rough in doorway, parks, derelict sites and abandoned cars. Life expectancy, as a result of the extreme cold, malnutrition and crime is much lower for homeless people than it is for the general population. People sleeping rough are only the tip of the homeless iceberg however. The less obvious side of homelessness is made up of those who live in hostels, refuges, B&B’s shelters or emergency accommodation. This ‘hidden homeless’ population is sadly 20 times the number of people sleeping rough.
It has been estimated that nearly 2,000 people are living in these conditions in Dublin.
One such person is a nineteen year old by the name of Anthony. I met him standing outside a Londis with a paper cup in his hand. The worst thing I think was the look of confused surprise when I asked him his name. He pays a weekly sum to a hostel of €25. He says that he can pay that and eat if he makes €8 a day. But, startlingly, Anthony does not always get given €8 in the course of day. While we were talking, Anthony didn’t receive so much as a glance from the dozens of passers by.
I ask you - what was €8 to any of them?
He told me that one of the worst things was when people said they wouldn’t give him spare change as he would just spend it on drugs. This is a frequent problem; as most homeless people get branded with the slur that they must be drug users. However, this is by no means the most common way for a person to become homeless.
- Poverty is the main cause of homelessness, as the economic growth of past years did not reach all of our society and the present economic downturn has left many financially destitute.
- There is a lack of safe, appropriate and permanent social housing in Ireland; particularly for single homeless people.
- Rents in private accommodation are very high and even families who qualify for the rent allowance often have trouble getting landlord to accept them as tenants.
- Young people who are victims of family violence, neglect or sexual abuse enough run away and become homeless. Youths who have just left the care system are at risk as well. Also relationship breakdowns can often lead to sudden homelessness, as well domestic abuse.
- People with mental health difficulties ranging from depression to severe psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia are a high risk group for becoming homeless. The lack of availability of appropriate mental health services means that many of their needs have not been addressed.
- Substance abuse, such as alcoholism or drug addiction, can also be a factor, though it is unfair to assume all homeless people have this problem.
There are over a million people living in Dublin. If everyone was to give just €2 to the next homeless person they saw, that would be nearly a €1000 per person, which would be more then enough to get them off the streets. When people say that the money isn’t there to help these people it isn’t true. The majority of people in Dublin wouldn’t notice if €2 fell down the back of the sofa.
Every night, when you’re safe in your house, 90 people in Dublin are trying to find shelter in the streets and close to 2,000 more are going without food to pay for a bed for the night. It would only take €2 from everyone if only everyone was willing to care.
By: Orla ní Dhúill
