MakeRoom Welcomes Programme for Government Commitment on Homelessness

Issued : Monday 12 October, 2009

MakeRoom, the campaign alliance of Focus Ireland, the Simon Communities of Ireland, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and Threshold have today welcomed the new Programme for Government's re-iteration of the commitment to "end long term homelessness by the end of 2010."

Speaking on behalf of the campaign Patrick Burke said:

"MakeRoom was established in 2006 with the primary aim of setting 2010 as the target for ending long term homelessness. This target has been accepted by Government, statutory and voluntary agencies since 2007. It is the primary aim of the government's 2008 adult homeless strategy The Way Home. The Strategy also includes the commitment to end the need to sleep rough by 2010.

"MakeRoom is very pleased that the new programme for Government agreed by Fianna Fail and the Green Party on Friday reiterates this commitment. This reflected that commitment which both Minister Gormley and Minister Finneran have shown on this issue.

"The Programme explicitly says that the government, 'will end long term homelessness by the end of 2010 through the implementation of The Way Home, Ireland's strategy on adult homelessness 2008-2013".

"There are now less than 15 months until that commitment must be achieved. This represents a major challenge to all of us, to make this commitment a reality over the coming months through the full and faithful implementation of The Way Home. MakeRoom are fully committed to partnering with all involved to make this happen' ENDS

 

Note to editor: Long-term homelessness is where a person is homeless for more than six months.