New: Homeless charity expands to include Laois

The Good Shepherd Centre Kilkenny (GSCK) is expanding its homeless services to Laois to provide a ‘Regional Support Service’.

The service targets individuals and families to prevent homelessness, helps them settle into new homes, and supports people with complex needs.

Originally established across Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary, the service will now also cater for users in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.  This is possible through Section 10 funding from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

There were 25 people recorded as homeless in Laois in May, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. The number of people availing of emergency accommodation from the local authority during the week of May 20 to 26 dropped from 28 in April. Across the midlands there were 37 families in local authority emergency accommodation. This included 48 adults and 56 children. 

Left to Right: CEO of the GSCK Noel Sherry pictured with Minister Malcolm Noonan and Liam Keane, Director of the GSCK.

There were 154 adults availing of emergency accommodation across the midlands during the week recorded in May. The majority were aged between 25 to 44 (68). There were 60 people aged between 45 and 64 and there were two people aged over 65 homeless in the region. 

The urgency of this service is highlighted by the latest Department of Housing figures for September, which show a record 14,760 people living in emergency accommodation, including 4,561 children. Recruitment of staff for the new service is underway with positions available for four tenancy sustainment officers, two intensive case managers, two service operatives, and a service manager.

“We’ve had to increase our capacity and skills base because of the sheer demand from urban and rural homelessness. People out there are suffering from a lack of access to private rental properties and affordable housing,” said Noel Sherry, CEO of the GSCK.

“High-quality support services are needed to help people find solutions when they’re homeless.”

Mr Sherry also emphasised the importance of this expanded role.

“Our ability to provide services that either prevent or assist people in exiting homeless services is a key priority for us and our sister organisation, Tar Isteach Housing," he said.

Pictured at the Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny are Catherine White, Regional Support Manager, and her daughter, Layla. Pic: Patrick Browne

"With the continued rise in homelessness, it is vital that we offer robust and effective support to those in need, ensuring they have the resources and guidance necessary to rebuild their lives.”

The centre aims to provide comprehensive services designed to prevent homelessness and support individuals and families in transitioning out of emergency accommodation. These services include life skills training, tenancy management, and homemaking, ensuring a coordinated and holistic response from community-based services in health, addiction, mental health, education and training, family support, and advocacy for housing and essential services.

Liam Keane, Director of the GSCK, expressed his gratitude for this significant appointment: “It’s a privilege to accept this role on behalf of the four Midlands local authorities and the HSE. In recent years, as we’ve witnessed the increase in homeless numbers, we have been developing our capacity and range of expertise across housing solutions and support services to address urban and rural homelessness for some of the most marginalised people across our communities.”

The GSCK provides essential services to women, men, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Service users must be over the age of 18 years and referred by the local authority. Vulnerable groups identified include people struggling with addiction, those with mental health issues, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, low-income families, and people exiting state care, hospital, or prison.