Simon project to tackle homelessness among young

A new project aimed at addressing homelessness among young people is being planned for Galway.

The Galway Simon Community aims to secure funding for the programme, which will target those aged under 30 who are at risk of homelessness or are struggling to get secure accommodation.

The problem of young people at risk of homelessness was particularly worrying in Galway, according to the CEO of the Galway Simon, Bill Griffin

“When the social welfare was reduced to €100 per week two years ago we saw a big increase in the numbers of people aged between 18 and 29. When they come to us, we have to reduce the rent to give them something to live on, so the chance of them moving on is nil,” he said.

“Many of them can’t get back into education and have complex needs.”

Homelessness among the younger generation was often hidden, as they resorted to ‘couch surfing’ or relying on friends and family for short periods for a roof over their heads.

The project currently being set in train is looking to set up supports to get young people back into education, training or help them find work.

“We really need to look at providing a separate programme to keep these young people away from homelessness in the long term.”

The launch of the Galway Simon’s annual report for 2013 showed that 120 people – nearly double the number of people – have accessed their outreach services so far this year compared to the whole of 2012.

The controversies in the CRC and Rehab Group over senior pay and the expenditure of statutory funding in the charity sector resulted in a 15% decrease in its Christmas appeal.

There were 60 men and women who were given a variety of long-term and short-term accommodation and social care by Galway Simon last year at various locations around the city.

Most nights on the streets of Galway around nine people are sleeping rough at any one time, with 26 men and 13 women – some of them with families – in emergency homeless accommodation.