Simon Communities urges government to prioritize single adults in homelessness strategy

Simon Communities of Ireland kicked off its first nationwide fundraising effort, "Homeless And Alone: One Big Push," to press the government for "meaningful" action on homelessness, especially for single adults. Executive director Ber Grogan called for increased housing supply, affordability, stronger prevention, and coordinated work across health, housing, justice and social protection, while expanding the Housing First approach.

During "Simon Week," Housing Minister James Browne told a Dublin conference that addressing cost-of-living pressures is essential to keeping people housed and that energy costs are part of the solution. Formerly homeless advocate Seán Kinsella urged inclusion of expert-by-experience perspectives in policy discussions. The Dublin Simon centre at Usher’s Island, operating 75 of its 100 beds, exemplifies innovative, multi-service support but still requires additional funding to reach full capacity.