New service to assist homeless in Laois
The service targets individuals and families to prevent homelessness, helps them settle into new homes, and supports people with complex needs
THE Good Shepherd Centre Kilkenny (GSCK) is expanding its homeless services into Laois.
The GSCK is currently providing services in Carlow, Kilkenny, and Tipperary.
It has now commenced a new service for people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath with funding support from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
The service targets individuals and families to prevent homelessness, helps them settle into new homes, and supports people with complex needs.
The CEO of the GSCK Noel Sherry said that the urgency of the expanded service is highlighted by the latest Department of Housing figures for September, which show a record 14,760 people living in emergency accommodation, including 4,561 children.
He said recruitment of staff for the new service is underway with positions available for four tenancy sustainment officers, two intensive case managers, two service operatives, and a service manager.
GSCK provides essential services to women, men, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Service users must be over the age of 18 years and referred by the local authority. Vulnerable groups identified include people struggling with addiction, those with mental health issues, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, low-income families, and people exiting state care, hospital or prison.
Mr Sherry said: “We’ve had to increase our capacity and skills base because of the sheer demand from urban and rural homelessness. People out there are suffering from a lack of access to private rental properties and affordable housing. High-quality support services are needed to help people find solutions when they’re homeless.”
He also emphasised the importance of this expanded role: “Our ability to provide services that either prevent or assist people in exiting homeless services is a key priority for us and our sister organisation, Tar Isteach Housing. With the continued rise in homelessness, it is vital that we offer robust and effective support to those in need, ensuring they have the resources and guidance necessary to rebuild their lives.” Mr Sherry said the centre will provide comprehensive services designed to prevent homelessness and support individuals and families in transitioning out of emergency accommodation. The services include life skills training, tenancy management and homemaking, ensuring a coordinated and holistic response from community-based services in health, addiction, mental health, education and training, family support, and advocacy for housing and essential services.
Director of the GSCK Liam Keane said: “It’s a privilege to accept this role on behalf of the four Midlands local authorities and the HSE. In recent years, as we’ve witnessed the increase in homeless numbers, we have been developing our capacity and range of expertise across housing solutions and support services to address urban and rural homelessness for some of the most marginalised people across our communities.”
