As we approach the release of Budget 2026 on October 7th, NOVAS is again urging the Irish Government to make homelessness a core priority. In a year that has seen record-high levels of homelessness, including more than 5,000 children without a secure home, urgent and decisive action is needed now more than ever.

Every day, NOVAS supports individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We see the devastating human cost of policy inaction: children growing up in hotels and B&Bs, families forced into emergency accommodation and vulnerable adults whose health deteriorates without stable housing. Yet we also know that homelessness is preventable and solvable with the right measures.

The current homelessness crisis can be turned around. With evidence-based reforms, targeted funding and political commitment the number of households experiencing homelessness can be significantly reduced, moving us toward the shared national goal of ending homelessness in Ireland by 2030.

In our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission, NOVAS sets out clear, practical recommendations:

• Accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing through increased capital investment and higher annual supply targets.

• Prevent homelessness before it begins by expanding rent supports, supporting targeted schemes such as tenant-in-situ and Housing First and scaling up early intervention measures for at-risk households.

• Strengthen frontline homeless services, ensuring high-quality service provision, prioritising single-room occupancy and providing sustainable funding for organisations working directly with people in crisis.

• Improve health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness with ring-fenced funding for mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis services.

Una Burns, Head of Advocacy and Communications with NOVAS, noted:
“While homelessness continues to grow, we know that it is solvable. With the right policies and investment we can make lasting change for thousands of households across the country and realise our collective ambition of ending homelessness.”

NOVAS is calling on the Government to use Budget 2026 as a turning point — by investing in the homes, services and supports that will give people the stability and dignity they deserve.

Read our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission.

ENDS