Simon warns of ‘shocking’ increase in street teens

There has been a “shocking” rise in the numbers of children, teenagers and vulnerable young people wandering the streets of Galway in search of a place to sleep, according to the Galway Simon Community.

The age profile of those accessing the homeless charity’s resettlement programmes has dropped considerably in the past two years, with nearly half of people presenting for help now aged between 18 and 25.

“That wouldn’t have happened a few years ago. Mid-way last year we decided we urgently needed to focus on that group or you were looking at a situation where they would drift into becoming the long-term homeless of the future,” explained CEO Bill Griffin.

A complex myriad of issues need to be tackled as well as sourcing accommodation. Many of these youths suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction or come from abusive homes while others have learning difficulties and serious ongoing medical conditions. Some have been abandoned after coming out of the care system.

“The problem is, no matter what a person’s personal history is – and no matter what their emotional or psychological needs are – from the moment they turn 18 they are treated as adults and are suddenly expected to fend for themselves,” exclaimed Mr Griffin.

“The vulnerable young people have no home to go to and no family to turn to. And, with no jobs and constant cuts in social welfare and support services, they simply cannot cope and are falling into a life of homelessness and despair.”

The charity has launched an urgent appeal to households for funds to renovate four apartments purchased by Galway City Council under a new project called Fresh Start planned to begin in September targeted at young people. The project involves various agencies, such as Jigsaw, the Galway Youth Diocesan Services and St Vincent De Paul.

For more on this story, see this week’s Galway City Tribune