by Bernie English
MORE than 200 homeless people needed emergency accommodation in Limerick city and county every month since June, the latest figures have shown.
In the first half of December alone, emergency accommodation was provided to 205 people, mainly in the city.
Figures for seven-day periods during the previous months show 211 people were placed in emergency accommodation in June; 201 in July; 212 in August; 208 in September; 218 in October and 229 in November
They were mainly placed in emergency hostels, transitional accommodation and long term supported housing throughout Limerick.
While acknowledging that the number of people sleeping rough throughout Limerick is “significantly lower” than other urban locations in Ireland, Limerick city and county council’s Homeless Action Team said it continues to experience “high demand” for emergency accommodation.
The Homeless Action Team is based at No. 2 Church Street, St. John’s Square and is the first point of contact for people who become homeless.
The service is jointly staffed by the Local Authority, Department of Social Protection and the HSE, delivering a multidisciplinary approach to solving homelessness.
There are also searches for rough sleepers conducted in the city, usually after midnight, to offer accommodation and make people aware of the range of services available.
Members of the public who are concerned about known rough sleepers or are aware of their movements are asked to contact the Limerick Homeless Action Team at their John’s Square base or phone them on 061 – 481212.
