The Simon Community in Wicklow would like to take this opportunity to offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of our deceased resident in Kilmantin Hill emergency accommodation this morning.
This 16 bed, 24 hour supported temporary accommodation was established and commissioned to satisfy the needs of the homeless community in Wicklow County. Since opening on 23 January, all 16 beds have been utilised to the full with an outstanding waiting list which the service is unable to satisfy within its present capacity.
The purpose of this supported temporary accommodation unit is to provide immediate support and stabilisation to people experiencing homelessness in the county, to meet their needs with dedicated programs relating to each service user. These would usually include lifestyle and health needs, training, education, welfare, food preparation, nutrition, literacy and numeracy skills. Our key working service links our service users with mainstream healthcare, welfare, education and training services as required, and arranges for appropriate move on housing with supports as necessary.
The sharp increase in homelessness across the country highlights serious housing shortages and the issues with rent supplement and allowances. What is extremely worrying is that many people who have accessed our emergency accommodation did not have the suitable housing and support they require.
In present uncertain times, with limited emergency accommodation, housing shortage, rent increases and rent allowance restrictions, the pressure for beds is frantic
