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Author: Emma McLoughlin

NOVAS calls for urgent action on homelessness and housing in Budget 2027 

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

As the Government prepares to publish Budget 2027 today, NOVAS is calling for urgent and sustained investment to reverse the continued rise in homelessness, prevent people from losing their homes and increase the supply of appropriate social housing.

With homelessness continuing to reach record levels and more than 5,500 children currently experiencing homelessness, the need for decisive action has never been greater.

NOVAS submitted its 2027 Pre-Budget Submission to Government in July, setting out a series of practical measures that the Government can take to shift the focus from responding to homelessness after it occurs towards preventing homelessness in the first place.

NOVAS is calling on Government to:

1. Invest at least €9 billion annually in public housing

Government must maintain at least €9 billion in annual public capital investment in housing to support the delivery of its commitment to over 60,000 homes each year. New social housing must be targeted towards areas of greatest need, including one-bedroom homes and larger family homes. Housing allocations should also be ringfenced for households experiencing long-term homelessness.

2. Restore the Tenant-in-Situ Scheme

The Tenant-in-Situ Scheme should be restored to its original preventative function, including funding for essential refurbishment works, with at least the 2024 level of funding restored. NOVAS is also calling for the restrictions introduced under Circular Housing 11/2025 to be reversed and for a streamlined national approvals process to allow acquisitions to take place before Notices of Termination expire.

3. Invest €100 million to bring HAP and Homeless HAP in line with market rents

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Homeless HAP limits must be increased to reflect prevailing rental costs. NOVAS estimates that an investment of at least €100 million is required to bring rent supports to an adequate level and prevent further housing insecurity and homelessness.

4. Provide approximately €9.75 million for the annual HAP rent review

Government should provide the additional funding required to meet the maximum allowable annual rent review for existing HAP tenancies. NOVAS estimates that approximately €9.75 million will be required, based on around 53,000 supported households. NOVAS is also calling for the automatic indexation of HAP and Homeless HAP limits, ensuring that rent supports keep pace with changes in the rental market.

5. Provide €2 million annually for Child Support Workers

With more than 5,500 children currently experiencing homelessness, NOVAS is calling for dedicated funding of approximately €2 million per year to ensure that children living in homeless accommodation have access to Child Support Workers and trauma-informed, child-centred supports.

No child should have to experience homelessness without access to the specialist support they need to cope with its impact.

6. Provide full cost recovery for homeless services

Government must ensure that homeless services are funded at the full cost of delivery, with multi-annual budgets that reflect inflation and provide greater certainty for service providers. NOVAS is calling for increased base funding to address the gap between current levels of funding and the actual cost of delivering high-quality homeless services.

The continued rise in homelessness demonstrates the urgent need for Government to move beyond crisis response and invest significantly in prevention.

Budget 2027 represents a critical opportunity to increase the supply of appropriate social housing, strengthen homelessness prevention measures and ensure that children, families and individuals experiencing homelessness receive the support they need.

NOVAS thanks Government for considering its 2027 Pre-Budget Submission and remains committed to working in partnership with Government, local authorities and statutory agencies to provide high-quality services and housing supports to people experiencing homelessness, addiction and social marginalisation.

Sustained investment and coordinated action across Government will be essential to achieving the shared objective of ending long-term homelessness by 2030.

Read our full submission here

17,527 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland: July 2026

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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%)

17,482 people homeless in June 2026 

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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 

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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 

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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

Posted on by Emma McLoughlin

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%) 

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