The Department of Housing’s latest figures for May 2026 show that 17,447 people are currently experiencing homelessness. This marks a decrease of 101 people compared with the previous month. However, the overall trend remains deeply concerning, with homelessness increasing by 1,700 people since May 2025.
Of the 11,864 adults experiencing homelessness, 59.3% were men and 40.7% were women, while people aged 25–44 accounted for 52.3% of the total. These figures reinforce NOVAS’ longstanding concern that single adults seeking one-bedroom accommodation remain among the groups most affected by the housing crisis and continue to face significant barriers to accessing suitable housing.
The number of children experiencing homelessness now stands at 5,583. While this represents a slight decrease of 21 children compared with the previous month, it is still 15.3% higher than in May 2025.
Family homelessness continues to increase amid a persistent shortage of suitable long-term housing, particularly for larger families. As a result, many families are spending extended periods in emergency accommodation due to the limited availability of affordable and appropriate homes.
NOVAS welcomes the increase in exits from homelessness during May, which has contributed to the slight decline in the overall number of people experiencing homelessness. While this is an encouraging development, we remain cautiously optimistic and hope it marks the beginning of a sustained downward trend in the months ahead.
Increasing exits from homelessness requires increasing the supply of housing. This means building the right types of homes in the right locations and ensuring that new social housing is allocated in a way that supports people who have spent long periods in emergency accommodation. By linking the delivery of new public housing to homelessness pathways, more people can move into secure, permanent homes more quickly, reducing long-term reliance on emergency accommodation and preventing people from becoming trapped in homelessness.
Homelessness has continued to rise since the lifting of the eviction moratorium in 2023. Ongoing pressures in the private rental market, combined with changes to tenant protections, continue to leave many households vulnerable to housing insecurity. In the first quarter of 2026, there was a significant increase in notices of termination, placing further strain on an already overstretched housing system.
These latest figures underline the scale and urgency of Ireland’s housing and homelessness crisis, as the gap between housing need and available supply continues to widen. Behind every statistic are individuals, couples, and families experiencing instability, uncertainty, and the harmful effects of prolonged homelessness.
NOVAS reiterates the urgent need for sustained and coordinated action to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, strengthen homelessness prevention measures and tenant protections, and expand access to appropriate long-term housing and support services. A whole-of-government response, backed by adequate investment and resources, is essential to prevent further increases in homelessness and ensure that everyone has access to safe, secure, and dignified housing.
NOVAS remains committed to working alongside statutory partners, local authorities, and communities to address rising homelessness and deliver housing and support solutions that promote dignity, stability, and independence for those experiencing homelessness.
May 2026 Monthly Homeless Stats
Total Homeless Population: 17,447
Total number of adults: 11,864
Single adults: 7,346
Adults aged 25 – 44: 6,204 (52.3%)
Families: 2,684
Single parent families: 1,532 (57.1%)
Children (under 18): 5,583
Adult gender breakdown:
Male: 59.3%
Female: 40.7%
