Reportedly, last Monday Dublin regional homeless executive issued a statement offering its sympathies to the families of five homeless people who have died, thought to be in the space of a week according to one source. The same news article reported that an Independent td has asked for figures as to the number of deaths amongst the homeless during the month of July. Not yet known.
Reports are that clients seeking services may be in line for covid tests in the form of swabs, but what if they test positive?
Current homelessness has been blamed on precarious living situations by the chief executive of Safety-net primary care, which offers medical care to the homeless. Abuse, addiction and mental health problems are thought to be contributing factors, all of which may have been exacerbated by covid lockdown.
Focus Ireland, the homeless charity who are reportedly concerned about the eviction rate appear to believe a major factor in the homeless crisis is difficulties paying rent. Another major factor has to be a lack of suitable and available accommodation which may be impossible for the poor to access or to bring up to standard. Finding accommodation under the social welfare rent cap is very often an impossibility, which leads to no or diminished rent allowance. Lack of legislation with regard to tennant’s rights, and no consequences to breaches of current legislation which is seemingly sparse can lead to inconsiderate behaviour on behalf of the landlord. Legalities often support the landlord. A lack of suitable available accommodation which may be impossible for the poor to access or bring up to standard is believed to be another major factor.