Irish bishops warn of winter rise in homelessness

Bishops in Ireland have spoken of their concern over the increasing numbers of individuals and families registering themselves as homeless, writes Sarah Mac Donald.

In a statement for International Human Rights Day this month, the bishops noted that in Dublin more families declared themselves homeless in recent months than at the height of the economic crisis, or at any time in modern Irish history.

They criticised inadequate social protection and warned that homelessness is a problem across the island of Ireland.

For those with mortgage arrears, the family home has become a source of constant worry and insecurity, they said.

“We need a strategy for dealing with mortgage arrears which recognises that a family home is much more than a property or asset. It is vital that the policies of banks in relation to homeowners and tenants support the common good by working with families to enable them to stay in their homes,” the bishops appealed.