Nearly 2,000 new households ‘at risk’ of homelessness – Threshold, Many thousands of Irish people, Face Homelessness, this Winter, they wont have 5 Star Hotels, or Government buildings to Help them, Neither will they have, the Riot Squad to Protect them? Fair Treatment of people, goes Two Ways, but not in Ireland? Why?

Updated / Wednesday, 24 Jul 2024 06:19

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

More than 1,950 new households that contacted Threshold between April and June this year were at risk of homelessness.

The housing charity has said that 40% of those who sought help from its advisors in that period, did so on the grounds of tenancy termination.

Threshold has said tenancy termination remains the biggest issue facing clients, but where possible, it assisted households to remain in their homes or secure alternative homes.

However, it has pointed out that this is becoming “increasingly challenging” due to the availability of fewer rental properties, and the fact that landlords are within their rights to evict for the purposes of sale.

It has called for the development of a unitary housing system, which would include an integrated rental market, where social and cost-rental housing is accessible to a larger number of households across a broader range of income levels.

An increase in social and affordable housing would in turn create competition with the private rental sector according to the charity.

It has pointed out that a unitary housing system, as seen in Sweden, would see the State increase the number of social and cost-rental housing units, to comprise at least 25% of the total housing stock.

CEO John-Mark McCafferty has said alternative options are needed for those struggling to pay high rents.

“A unitary housing system is a more equitable system, which would provide more affordable housing, and one we should strive towards,” he said.

Threshold’s ‘We Are Generation Rent’ report, which was published last month showed that 74% of the charity’s clients struggle to pay bills and other household expenses after paying rent.

While traditionally associated with young people navigating early career stages or education, Generation Rent now encompasses a diverse demographic that extends beyond just young people, reflecting a broader societal shift towards renting rather than homeownership.

2022 Census data, which showed that a growing number of those aged 40 and over are now living in private rental accommodation.