The Department of Housing’s latest figures for July 2026 show that 17,527 people are experiencing homelessness, an increase of 45 people compared with June 2026. While the monthly increase is relatively small and the rate of growth has slowed in recent months, homelessness has still increased by 1,469 people since July 2025, underlining the continuing scale of Ireland’s housing crisis.
Of the 11,868 adults experiencing homelessness nationally, 58.7% were men and 41.3% were women. A total of 7,244 adults (61.0%) were single adults.
These figures reinforce NOVAS’s longstanding concern that single adults seeking one-bedroom accommodation remain among those most affected by the housing crisis. They continue to face significant barriers in accessing suitable, affordable and secure housing, highlighting the urgent need for increased availability of appropriate one-bedroom homes and stronger pathways out of emergency accommodation.
The number of children experiencing homelessness has risen to 5,659, an increase of 39 children on the previous month and 645 more than in July 2025. Family homelessness has increased by 16.3% over the past year, according to the family figures available to NOVAS, and continues to rise as a result of the chronic shortage of suitable long-term housing, particularly for larger families. Many families are spending prolonged periods in emergency accommodation because affordable, appropriate and secure housing is simply unavailable.
Tenant in Situ: a significant decline in homelessness prevention
The Department’s own figures demonstrate a significant reduction in the preventative use of the Local Authority Tenant in Situ scheme. The number of adults prevented from entering emergency accommodation fell from 170 in Q1 2025 to just 55 in Q1 2026, a reduction of 67.6%.
This is highly relevant to NOVAS’s Budget submission, which calls for the restoration of Tenant in Situ to its original preventative function and for funding to be restored to at least 2024 levels. The dramatic decline in the number of people prevented from entering emergency accommodation suggests that the scheme is no longer operating at the scale required to prevent homelessness effectively.
Tenant in Situ activity has also changed:
- Local authority lettings: 309 → 245 (down 20.7%)
- AHB lettings/LTSA: 304 → 333 (up 9.5%)
- Private rented/HAP/RAS: 183 → 142 (down 22.4%)
These figures reinforce NOVAS’s wider argument that increasing housing supply alone is not sufficient. What is required is the right housing, in the right places, alongside effective preventative interventions and genuine pathways out of long-term homelessness.
The substantial fall in homelessness prevention through Tenant in Situ should therefore be considered alongside the continuing growth in family homelessness. Restoring the scheme’s preventative capacity would help ensure that people at immediate risk of losing their homes receive support before they enter emergency accommodation, reducing pressure on an already overstretched homelessness system.
Budget 2027 must prioritise prevention and pathways out of homelessness
With Budget 2027 due to be published in October, NOVAS is calling on Government to use the Budget to address both the flow of households into homelessness and the lack of pathways out of homelessness into secure, adequate and appropriate housing.
Preventing homelessness must remain a central objective of housing policy. Strengthening security of tenure and ensuring that households facing eviction can access timely interventions and alternative accommodation are essential to reducing the number of people entering homelessness.
Legislative reform must therefore be matched by increased investment in homelessness prevention, social and affordable housing and support services. Prevention cannot be effective without the housing supply and resources necessary to provide people with viable alternatives to 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.
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 everyone experiencing homelessness.
July 2026 Monthly Homeless Figures
Total Homeless Population: 17,527
Total number of adults: 11,868
Single adults: 7,244 (61.0%)
Families: 2,724
Single parents families:
Children (under 18): 5,659
Adult gender breakdown:
Male: 6,969 (58.7%)
Female: 4,899 (41.3%)
Author: Emma McLoughlin
17,482 people homeless in June 2026
June 2026 Monthly Figures
The Department of Housing’s latest figures for June 2026 show that 17,482 people are experiencing homelessness, an increase of 35 people compared with May 2026. While the monthly increase is relatively small and the rate of growth has slowed in recent months, homelessness has still increased by 1,567 people since June 2025, underlining the continuing scale of Ireland’s housing crisis.
Of the 11,862 adults experiencing homelessness, 59.1% were men and 40.9% were women, while adults aged 25 – 44 accounted for 6,182 people (52.1%) of the total. These figures reinforce NOVAS’ longstanding concern that single adults seeking one-bedroom accommodation remain among those most affected by the housing crisis and continue to face significant barriers in accessing suitable housing.
The number of children experiencing homelessness has risen to 5,620, an increase of 37 children on the previous month and 662 more than in June 2025. Family homelessness has increased by 16% over the past year and continues to rise as a result of the chronic shortage of suitable long term housing, particularly for larger families. Many families are spending prolonged periods in emergency accommodation because affordable, appropriate and secure housing is simply unavailable.
The latest figures also indicate increasing pressure on homelessness services across the Midwest region. The number of adults accessing emergency homeless services rose from 5% of the national total in June 2025 to 6.3% in June 2026. Family homelessness has also increased significantly, with the number of families in emergency accommodation rising from 151 in June 2025 to 215 in June 2026. These trends highlight the growing demand for emergency accommodation and homelessness support services across the region.
While the pace of increase has slowed over the past three months, the overall trend remains deeply concerning. Any indication that growth may be stabilising is welcome, but it is far too early to conclude that homelessness has peaked. Sustained action is needed to reverse the upward trend.
Increasing exits from homelessness requires a significant expansion in housing supply. This means delivering the right mix of homes in the right locations and ensuring that new social housing is allocated in a way that prioritises households experiencing homelessness, particularly those who have spent prolonged periods in emergency accommodation. Linking the delivery of public housing to homelessness pathways would enable more people to move into permanent homes more quickly, reducing the reliance on emergency accommodation and prevent people 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. During the first quarter of 2026 there was a significant increase in notices of termination, placing further strain on an already overstretched housing system.
Preventing homelessness must remain a central objective of housing policy. Strengthening security of tenure, supporting tenants to sustain their tenancies and ensuring households facing eviction can access timely interventions and alternative accommodation are essential to reducing the number of people entering homelessness. Legislative reform must therefore be matched by increased investment in homelessness prevention, social and affordable housing, and support services.
These latest figures highlight the continuing gap between housing need and housing supply. 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, supported 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 everyone experiencing homelessness.
Key Statistics: June 2026
Total Homeless Population: 17,482
Total number of adults: 11,862
Single adults: 7,288
Families: 2,706
Single parent families: 1,557 (57.5%)
Children (under 18): 5,620
Adult gender breakdown:
Male: 7,014 (59.1%)
Female: 4,848 (40.9%)
NOVAS Position on the Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill
NOVAS has significant concerns about provisions contained in the Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that could fundamentally change access to emergency homeless accommodation in Ireland and have serious consequences for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
We are concerned that proposals to introduce statutory eligibility criteria for emergency homeless services, alongside expanded powers to withdraw emergency accommodation, risk undermining recent advances through the Homeless Family and Child Action Plan and the Prevention Framework.
Emergency accommodation is distinct from longer term housing supports. It is an immediate humanitarian intervention designed to protect life, health and dignity during periods of acute crisis. NOVAS believes that access to emergency shelter should remain available to anyone facing an immediate housing emergency while eligibility is being assessed.
We are particularly concerned that requiring people to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition before accessing emergency accommodation could create significant barriers for those in crisis, including people fleeing domestic abuse, leaving institutional settings, or experiencing serious mental health difficulties. Many individuals simply will not have the documentation needed to establish residency when they urgently require shelter.
We are also concerned that the proposed measures could affect entire households where one family member does not satisfy the residency requirements, potentially impacting children and disproportionately affecting groups already at greater risk of homelessness, including survivors of domestic abuse, victims of human trafficking, members of the Traveller and Roma communities, people with insecure immigration status, and those experiencing extreme poverty.
The proposed “safety net” of discretionary night-by-night accommodation also raises important concerns. We believe emergency accommodation should provide stability and safety rather than creating uncertainty or increasing the risk of rough sleeping.
NOVAS is calling for stronger statutory safeguards, including:
- Emergency accommodation remaining available while eligibility is being determined.
- A statutory right of appeal for all decisions relating to emergency accommodation, including refusals of access.
- Fair and transparent decision-making, supported by documented risk assessments.
- Greater accountability through monitoring and reporting on how these powers are used.
These proposals represent one of the most significant reforms of homelessness legislation in many years. Given their potential impact, NOVAS believes they require robust safeguards and continued engagement with the homelessness sector to ensure that the legislation achieves its objectives while protecting those most at risk.
NOVAS remains committed to working constructively with Government and stakeholders to ensure that no one experiencing a housing crisis is left without access to safe emergency accommodation.
May 2026: Latest Figures Show Crisis Continues Despite Increase in Exits from Homelessness
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%
17,548 People Experiencing Homelessness in April 2026
The Department of Housing’s latest figures for April 2026 show that 17,548 people are currently experiencing homelessness. This represents an increase of 31 people compared to the previous month and 1,937 more people than in April 2025.
Of the 11,944 adults experiencing homelessness, 59.5% were men and 40.5% were women, while people aged 25–44 accounted for 52.4% of the overall total. These figures continue to reflect NOVAS’ concern that single adults seeking one-bedroom accommodation remain among the largest cohorts impacted by the housing crisis and continue to face significant barriers in accessing suitable housing.
The number of children experiencing homelessness now stands at 5,604. This is an increase of 33 children compared to the previous month and represents a 17.4% increase since April 2025.
Family homelessness continues to rise against a backdrop of insufficient supply of appropriate long-term housing options, particularly for larger families. Many families are spending prolonged periods in emergency accommodation due to the lack of available and affordable homes.
Homelessness figures have continued on an upward trajectory since the lifting of the eviction moratorium in 2023, while ongoing pressures within the private rental market and changes affecting tenant protections continue to place many households at risk. In the first quarter of 2026, eviction notices increased significantly, adding further pressure to an already strained housing system.
These latest figures underline the depth of Ireland’s housing and homelessness crisis and the widening gap between housing need and available supply. Behind every statistic are individuals, couples, and families experiencing instability, uncertainty, and the damaging impacts of prolonged homelessness.
NOVAS reiterates the urgent need for sustained action to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, strengthen prevention measures and tenant protections, and expand access to appropriate long-term housing and support services. A coordinated and adequately resourced response across government departments and agencies 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 with statutory partners and local communities to address rising homelessness and to deliver housing and support solutions that promote dignity, stability, and independence for people experiencing homelessness.
January 2026: Homelessness Surpasses 17,000 for the First Time in State History
The Department of Housing’s latest figures for January 2026 show that 17,112 people are currently without a home, an increase of 378 from the previous month and 1,826 more people than in January 2025.
Family homelessness has also risen, with 2,555 families now in emergency accommodation—an increase of 77 from last month and 391 more than this time last year. Over 5,319 children were without a home this Christmas, an increase of 131 from last month and 716 compared with last year.
The decline observed last month was largely due to temporary seasonal effects; however, the recently published January 2026 homelessness data presents a worrying start to the year, with figures surpassing 17,000 for the first time. This highlights growing pressure on the system and underscores the continuing challenges in addressing homelessness. The increase suggests that sustained action and targeted interventions are required to help reverse the upward trend and support those affected.
The statistics capture only those using state-funded emergency accommodation. Rough sleepers, people in squats, domestic violence refuges, situations of hidden homelessness, and individuals seeking international protection are not included in these totals.
NOVAS is committed to working with statutory partners to combat rising homelessness and to deliver housing and support solutions that restore dignity, stability, and independence for people experiencing homelessness.
Key Statistics: Janurary 2026
Total Homeless Population: 17,112
Total number of adults: 11,793
Families: 2,555
Single parent families: 1,442 (56.4%)
Children (under 18): 5,319
Adult gender breakdown:
Male: 7,103 (60.2%)
Female: 4,690 (39.8%
Ireland’s Year of Rising Homelessness: December 2025 Figures
Homelessness in Ireland continued to rise throughout 2025, reaching record levels and placing mounting pressure on national and local support services. For the sixth consecutive month, more than 16,000 people have relied on emergency accommodation, highlighting the persistence and severity of the crisis. Notably, over 5,000 of those affected are children, underscoring the significant social and developmental risks associated with prolonged housing instability.
The Department of Housing’s latest figures for December 2025 show that 16,734 people are currently without a home, a decrease of 262 from the previous month but 1,870 more than in December 2024. Family homelessness has also increased, with 2,092 families now in emergency accommodation, down 47 from last month but 386 higher than this time last year. Over 5,188 children were without a home this Christmas, a decrease of 133 from last month but an increase of 678 compared with last year.
While we welcome the fact that this month’s figures have declined, we note that this is a common feature of homelessness statistics during the Christmas period, when many people stay with family or friends. We will have to wait for the January figures to see whether this is an indication of a further decline or merely a temporary seasonal effect.
These numbers are devastating. The ongoing crisis emphasises the urgent need for long-term housing solutions and sustained investment in social supports. The recent CSO completion figures for 2026 revealed more than 36,000 homes last year. This is a very welcome increase from previous years. Significant further increases are required in the next five years to address the crisis and provide stable housing for thousands of households that are currently experiencing homelessness.
The statistics capture only those using state-funded emergency accommodation. Rough sleepers, people in squats, domestic violence refuges, or situations of hidden homelessness, as well as individuals seeking International Protection, are not included in these totals.
NOVAS is committed to combating the rising levels of homelessness with our statutory partners, to deliver housing and support solutions that restore dignity, stability and independence for people experiencing homelessness.
Key Statistics: December 2025
Total Homeless Population: 16,734
Total number of adults: 11,546
Single adults: 7,311 (63.3%)
Young adults (18-24): 2,017 (17.5%)
Families: 2,478
Single parent families: 1,395 (56.3%)
Children (under 18): 5,188
Adult gender breakdown:
Male: 6,963 (60.3%)
Female: 4,583 (39.7%)
A Deepening Crisis: October 2025 Homeless Report
Monthly Homeless Report, October 2025
Homelessness in Ireland has continued to rise throughout 2025, reaching record levels and placing mounting pressure on national and local support services. For the fourth consecutive month, more than 16,000 people have depended on emergency accommodation, underscoring the persistence and severity of the crisis. Notably, over 5,000 of those affected are children, highlighting the significant social and developmental risks associated with prolonged housing instability.
The final publication of the Department of Housing’s homelessness figures before Christmas indicate that 16,766 people are currently without a home, an increase of 152 since last month and 1,800 more than in October 2024. Family homelessness has also grown, with 2,484 families now in emergency accommodation, up 41 since last month and 323 higher than this time last year.
It is important to note that these statistics capture only those using state-funded emergency accommodation. Rough sleepers, people in squats, domestic violence refuges, or situations of hidden homelessness, as well as individuals seeking International Protection, are not included in these totals.
We welcome the publication of the new housing strategy this month, particularly given the unprecedented scale of homelessness recorded in 2025. However the levels of homelessness will continue to grow in 2026, unless urgent solutions are delivered.
Key Statistics : October 2025
Total homeless population: 16,766
Adults: 11,492
- Single adults: 7,278 (74.6%)
- Young adults (18–24): 1,997 (17.4%)
Families: 2,484
- Single-parent families: 1,430 (58%)
Children (under 18): 5,274
Adult gender breakdown:
- Male: 6873 (59.8%)
- Female: 4619 (40.2%)
Homelessness in Ireland Continues to Reach New Highs
Homelessness in Ireland continues to reach unprecedented levels in 2025, with more than 16,000 people in emergency accommodation for three consecutive months. Among them are over 5,000 children, a stark reflection of the worsening crisis in housing availability and affordability.
According to the Department of Housing’s latest report, 16,614 people are now without a home, an increase of 261 since last month and 1,854 more than in September 2024. The number of families experiencing homelessness has also risen, reaching 2,443, up 46 from last month and 310 higher than this time last year.
The ongoing limitations of the tenant-in-situ scheme continue to drive these increases, leaving many families vulnerable. With no sign of relief, immediate and decisive government intervention is urgently needed.
The data only includes individuals accessing state funded emergency homeless accommodation across Ireland. People who are rough sleeping, living in squats, living in domestic violence refuges or those who are hidden homeless are not included in the figures. People who seek International Protection are also not captured in this data.
As we await the release of the new housing strategy, it is vital that it provides the clarity, direction, and commitment required to work collectively toward ending this crisis.
September 2025 Key Statistics:
Total homeless population: 16,614
Number of Adults: 11,376
(of which) Single adults: 7,238 (64%)
Young adults: 1,974 (17.3%)
Number of families: 2,443
(of which) single parent families: 1,400 (57%)
Children (under 18): 5,238
Gender Breakdown (Adults)
Male: 6,815 (60%)
Female: 4,561 (40%)
Stacey’s Story
For many years, my life was shaped by addiction, homelessness, and hardship. I spent 15 years moving between the streets, prison, mental health institutions and the hostels of Limerick. Prison became my second home, and the hostels were often the only safe places I had to turn to.
Without these services, especially NOVAS, Coolmine, Ana Liffey, and Bedford Row’s support to me and to my family, I know I would not be alive today. Those years were filled with pain, shame, and a deep sense of being judged and written off by society. I felt invisible, unwanted, and hopeless.
But even in the darkest times, walking the streets of Limerick alone and pregnant, I realised I had enough. These services were there, and there were people who showed me kindness and believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Their support gave me the chance to survive long enough to start again. In 2017, I faced a crossroads. I left TEP, pregnant with my third child, and went to Beaumont Hospital before entering treatment in Coolmine. For 15 months, I stayed in residential treatment, followed by a year in aftercare. That was where the real rebuilding began. Recovery is not easy, but it gave me tools, structure, and a new way of looking at myself. After treatment, I became a Client Representative in Coolmine for nearly two years. This role gave me confidence and purpose, I was no longer just a service user, but someone who could guide and support others walking the same path as me.
In 2021, I went to TUS, gained experience with Ana Liffey, where I learned the value of harm reduction and meeting people where they are at. Later, I became a locum worker, then worked with St Augustine’s School, while also being a locum support worker in NOVAS, where I still work today.
Education has also been central to my journey. I started with Level 5 and 6 qualifications at CCL College, and I am now in my fourth year of a Level 8 degree in Addiction and Community Development. I even had the privilege of representing Ireland in the Netherlands as part of a European project researching sex tourism. These opportunities have helped me grow, not just academically, but personally, proving to myself and to others that recovery opens doors we never thought possible.
But above all else, the heart of my story is my family. I am a proud mother of four children, and today, they have their mother back. My family, especially my aunt Bernie my mam, my dad, and my nana, have been my biggest supporters. My mam has always been my number one fan, my dad has given me quiet strength, and my nana’s love has been a constant reminder of who I really am. Their belief in me, along with the love of my children, gave me the strength to keep going when I doubted myself.
Recovery has taught me powerful lessons: to do the right thing even when no one is watching; to never forget where I came from; and to recognise that change is always possible if you change the way you look at things. I’ve learned how vital case management is for a person’s overall wellbeing, and how services working together can transform lives. My journey is living proof that people can and do change.
Looking back now, I see how far I’ve come from the streets, prison cells and hostels to private accommodation, education, and meaningful work. My life is no longer defined by addiction, but by the choices I make, the people I support, and the family I get to love and be present for. My message is simple: change is possible.
Hope is real, and people can change.