For the second successive year and amid an unprecedented homelessness crisis, there has been no specific mention of homelessness in Budget 2027.

NOVAS is deeply concerned by the lack of clarity in today’s Budget announcement on how the Government intends to tackle the ever increasing homelessness crisis, particularly in terms of resourcing homeless services and investing in effective prevention measures.

While we welcome the capital investment of €3 billion in social housing, we are calling on the Government to return to properly funding the Tenant in Situ Scheme, which is an important measure in preventing families and individuals from entering homelessness.

Homelessness figures have never been higher and we need to see significantly greater investment in measures that prevent homelessness before it occurs. Publication of the Homeless Prevention Framework, the Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan and the HAP Review is urgent. The budget refers to the the Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan but there is no indication of how it will be resourced.

There are some positive elements within Budget 2027. NOVAS welcomes the commitment to deliver 11,250 new-build social homes in 2027. We also welcome the allocation of €2.2 billion for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and other rent supports, as well as the introduction of a new 7% Derelict Property Tax.

The commitment to deliver 11,250 social homes in 2027 is broadly consistent with existing Government targets. However, the Government has failed to meet its social housing construction targets in every year since 2018. Today’s announcement provides limited detail on how the 2027 target will be achieved, raising concerns about whether the promised number of homes will ultimately be delivered.

At a time when homelessness is at record levels, Budget 2027 required a clear and adequately resourced response to the crisis. Investment in social housing is essential, but it must be matched by investment in homelessness services, prevention, housing supports and measures that keep people in their homes in the first place.

Organisation warns prolonged stays are reducing access to emergency accommodation as pathways into secure housing remain limited.

NOVAS today launches its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the growing length of time people are spending in homelessness and the urgent need to increase access to appropriate, long-term housing. 

In 2025, NOVAS supported 6,211 people, including 1,417 children, across its services, providing accommodation, housing and support to people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, addiction and social marginalisation. While this was a slight decrease on the 6,300 people supported in 2024, the report makes clear that this does not reflect a reduction in need. Instead, people are remaining in emergency accommodation for longer periods as access to suitable housing and move-on options becomes increasingly limited.  

The pressure on emergency accommodation is particularly evident among single adults. Across NOVAS emergency homeless accommodation, the average stay in 2025 was 307 nights, or more than ten months. More than 80% of people entering NOVAS homeless accommodation came either from another homeless service or directly from rough sleeping, while just 1% came from stable private rented or social housing. Almost half (48%) came directly from rough sleeping, with this proportion highest in Limerick. 

Prolonged stays also limit the availability of emergency accommodation for people newly experiencing homelessness. As people remain in emergency accommodation for longer, fewer places become available for others who need support, reinforcing the importance of creating effective pathways from homelessness into secure housing. 

Nationally, family homelessness remained a significant concern throughout 2025, with 5,188 children living in emergency accommodation by the end of the year. Against this backdrop, NOVAS supported 1,417 children across its services and housing, with 757 children living in secure NOVAS tenancies by year-end.  

Una Burns, Interim CEO and Head of Advocacy and Communications at NOVAS, said: 

“The 2025 Annual Report shows that people are spending longer periods in homelessness, as access to suitable housing remains limited. Emergency accommodation is intended to provide short-term support, but for many people it is becoming a much longer-term reality. 

“However, homelessness is not inevitable; it is solvable. Housing remains central to the solution. People must be able to move from emergency accommodation into secure homes. With the right investment in housing, prevention and support, we can reduce the time people spend without a home and create genuine pathways out of homelessness.” 

Despite the pressures facing the homelessness system, NOVAS continued to create pathways towards greater stability throughout 2025. As an Approved Housing Body, NOVAS added 24 homes to its housing stock, providing homes for an additional 26 adults and 18 children. By the end of the year, 364 NOVAS homes provided secure tenancies for 1,463 adults and children across Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, Limerick and Dublin. The Annual Report records 364 housing units and 1,463 tenants at year-end.  

The 2025 Annual Report reflects both the continued scale and complexity of homelessness and the progress that is possible when people are supported towards safety, stability and a home of their own. For NOVAS, the focus remains on reducing the time people spend in homelessness, preventing homelessness where possible, and creating sustainable pathways into secure housing. 

Read the full report here

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%)

An amazing transformation has been unveiled at the NOVAS Recovery House in Limerick to create a warm and welcoming environment for women transitioning from residential addiction treatment.

This is a space dedicated to providing women with a safe and supportive environment to continue rebuilding their lives. The transformation has been made possible through the generous support of furniture retailer DFS, alongside the creative vision of Achill-based Interior Designer, James McNamara. His expertise has ensured that the space promotes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, essential for the healing process.

Una Burns, Head of Advocacy & Communications at NOVAS, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Recovery House represents a significant step forward in supporting women in their recovery journeys. By providing a dedicated House for women to connect, heal, and grow, we are addressing not only their addiction but also the underlying challenges many have faced. This is a beautiful room, with sumptuous furnishings, stunning artwork and an absolutely wonderful vibe – almost like a warm hug. We are deeply grateful to DFS, James McNamara, and all the other supporters for making this vision a reality.”

James McNamara shared his excitement for the project, stating, “It has been an absolute honour to be involved in such a meaningful project. Working alongside so many generous people and businesses to create this space has been a privilege. Projects like this remind you why thoughtful design matters. It’s not just about creating a room that looks beautiful. It’s about creating a space that feels warm, welcoming and supportive for the people who use it every day. I hope every woman who walks through the door feels a genuine sense of comfort and belonging, and that this space becomes a positive part of their journey as they begin a new chapter.”

DFS also expressed their commitment to community support, through this initiative. “We know how important it is to create comfortable and inviting environments and are proud to have supported several projects like this throughout Ireland,” said Amy Ryan, DFS Limerick General Manager.

“We’re delighted to have aided the delivery of this makeover for The Recovery House, to create a space where the women spending time there can feel safe and empowered.”

The Gilmorton sofa, from the Joules collection exclusively at DFS, and DFS Kian chairs, formed the founding pillars of this design, but the project would not have been complete without the stunning artworks donated by Limerick artist Carol Ahern and Caroline Duffy, paint donated by Farrelly and Co, a beautiful hessian rug donated by Kukoon Rugs, curtains from JMC Studios and superb support from the team at NOVAS.

At Recovery House, each woman will work closely with a dedicated Case Manager to develop a personalised support plan focusing on her unique goals and needs. The six-month programme takes a holistic approach, addressing not just addiction recovery but also the development of practical life skills, trauma management, and the establishment of healthy routines and relationships. This includes access to housing, healthcare, education, employment, and community services throughout Limerick.

Many women referred to Recovery House may have experienced homelessness or be at risk of returning to homelessness. The aim is to equip them with the tools they need to maintain their recovery and build an independent future. By the end of the programme, each woman will be prepared to move into secure, long-term accommodation, continuing her journey with renewed hope and purpose.

Recent homelessness figures for February 2026 highlight a further increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness across the State. The number of adults and children residing in emergency accommodation last month reached 17,308, an increase of 196 compared to the previous month, and almost 2,000 additional individuals over the past twelve months. This represents one of the highest levels of recorded homelessness in the State.

There is growing concern that recent changes to rental regulations may increase the risk of additional households entering homelessness. The number of Notices of Termination issued in the first quarter of 2026 has increased by 41% compared to the same period last year. While these figures relate to a period prior to the introduction of the new legislation, there is evidence of increasing numbers of households presenting to services with a notice to quit, placing further pressure on already stretched emergency accommodation systems.

In our family service in Limerick, 8% of families are currently overholding in their rented accommodation, that is, remaining in their homes beyond the date of termination due to having no alternative housing options, including emergency or hotel accommodation. A further 25% of families we work with are living with a notice to quit and struggling to secure suitable alternative housing.

This situation is deeply concerning and reflects sustained pressure across both the rental market and homeless services.

While the current landscape is extremely challenging, homelessness is not inevitable. With the right policies, it can be significantly reduced and ultimately ended. This will require targeted prevention measures, a substantial increase in the supply of appropriate housing in the right locations, and ring-fenced allocations for households experiencing long-term homelessness.

 

NOVAS is delighted to host its second Trauma Informed Practice Seminar on Thursday, 23rd of April in the Gardens International, Limerick: Practice, Empowerment and Recovery from Trauma.

This seminar will explore the value of Trauma Informed Practice in supporting people experiencing multiple disadvantage, with a particular focus on gender, motherhood, service delivery and recovery. It will draw on research highlighting the importance of quality, trauma-informed services and the active role they play in supporting recovery for people affected by complex trauma.

The seminar will examine the lasting impact of generational poverty, ongoing exclusion, and the unintended harm that services can sometimes cause.

We’re delighted to welcome an exceptional panel of speakers:

Destiny Vaughan, Talha AlAli, Dr Orla Muldoon, Dr Daniel O’Callaghan, Ruth Ann Barry, Paula Kearney, alongside powerful contributions from people with lived experience. More speakers to be announced.

The range of speakers will share insights into Trauma Informed Practice across the areas of gender, motherhood, homelessness and the criminal justice system. The seminar will also explore empowerment and the creation of spaces that support healing and recovery, including the introduction of a new Trauma Informed Client Programme.

Join us for a day of learning, reflection and shared knowledge. Tickets can be purchased here.

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%)