17,482 people are homeless across Ireland in  June 2026 

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. 

June 2026 Monthly Stats 

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%)