The number of vouchers for emergency accomodation issued by Donegal County Council had a notable rise in 2017 following the August flooding.
Last year, 79 people who presented as homeless received vouchers for bed and breakfast accommodation from the council. This figure is an increase from 62 persons in 2016 and 67 in 2015.
B&B vouchers from the council are given to people who are in need of emergency accomodation until alternative arrangements can be made.
The 2017 figure includes accommodation provided by the council following the flooding of August 22nd. 17 families found themselves homeless in the days after the freak event. The families were offered B&B services from the council, while the majority chose to stay with family and friends.
This data on B&B voucher records was issued to Cllr Gary Doherty at the Donegal County Council March meeting. In the reply, the council said: “Where persons present as homeless and are deemed to require emergency accommodation, one of the options utlised is assistance in the form of bed and breakfast accommodation.
“Medium to longer term assistance is generally dependent on the specific circumstances of the individual case. The reasons for persons presenting as homeless can be varied, and in many cases ongoing supports are required.”
Another motion at the March sitting explored the need for an Independent Housing Officer to support people presenting as homeless. The council announced that a Tenancy Support & Sustainment Service provider will be appointed in the next month:
Tags:‘We need to get people off the streets and give them hope’ – Cllr
