Serious concern as 119 children face homelessness in the southeast

Focus Ireland has raised concerns about the impact homelessness can have on children during the summer months, as figures show almost 120 children in 79 families are currently experiencing homelessness across the southeast. 

The warning comes as the housing and homelessness charity launches its annual Shine A Light sleepout campaign, which aims to raise €1.2 million to support families experiencing homelessness and provide vital housing and support services. 

Nationally, 5,620 children are currently living without a home and spending the summer school holidays in emergency accommodation. 

There are almost 17,500 people living in emergency accommodation across Ireland, according to Focus Ireland. 

In Waterford City and County, 106 adults are currently living in emergency accommodation, while across the southeast there are 361 adults, 79 families and 119 children experiencing homelessness. 

Children now account for more than one-third of all people living in emergency accommodation nationwide. 

The charity said the average stay in emergency accommodation for a family is now more than a year, with many spending significantly longer without a permanent home. 

Lisa O'Brien, Focus Ireland's Head of Youth Housing Support Services in Waterford, said the shortage of affordable housing continues to be one of biggest challenges facing families across the region. 

"The biggest challenge is the shortage of affordable housing and non-fault evictions," she said. 

"Rising rents and HAP rates that have not kept pace with the market make it difficult for families to secure a home. More social and cost rental housing is urgently needed to help families move out of emergency accommodation and into stable, long term housing," she added.

Prominent Munster psychologist Dr Sharon Lambert, a Senior Lecturer in University College Cork's School of Applied Psychology, warned that homelessness can have a significant impact on children's development, particularly during the summer months. 

"Everything that you consider in terms of a summer and what children ought to be doing in summer is at risk of being massively disrupted because of the instability and uncertainty associated with experiencing homelessness, " she said. 

Dr Lambert mentioned even simple things others take for granted "like a playdate or a sleepover", pointing out that children who are in homelessness accommodation cannot have their friends around to play or sleepover.

She added that social and emotional development often happens through play and friendships, adding that disruptions can create stress and interfere with important developmental milestones. 

Ms O'Brien said spending the summer in emergency accommodation can also have lasting consequences for children and young people. 

"Homelessness can have a lasting impact on a child's wellbeing and development," she said. 

"Spending summer in emergency accommodation can limit opportunities to play, socialise and enjoy a normal family life, while the stress and uncertainty of homelessness can affect children long into their teenage and adult years," she added.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the number of children experiencing homelessness should not be viewed simply as a statistic. 

"It represents a generation growing up in crisis," he said. 

"We believe no child should have to endure the trauma of homelessness," he added. 

"That's why we're asking people to join us this October, to sleep out for Shine A Light and help raise funds for services which keep people in their homes, support children in crisis and provide pathways out of homelessness."

Mr Dennigan said summer can be particularly difficult for families experiencing homelessness as parents attempt to provide a normal childhood while dealing with the pressures of living in emergency accommodation. 

Focus Ireland supported more than 18,000 people nationwide last year through housing, prevention and family support services.

In 2025, the charity worked with local authorities and community partners to support 120 families in Waterford who were facing homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

Ms O'Brien said access to secure housing remains the most urgent need for families experiencing homelessness. 

"The most urgent need is access to secure housing, with families who are long term homeless prioritised for new social housing as it becomes available," she said. 

"Alongside housing, families also benefit from wraparound supports that help them settle into their new home and rebuild stability in their lives."

The Shine A Light sleepout will take place nationwide on October 9, the eve of World Homelessness Day. 

Businesses, schools, community groups and individuals are being encouraged to take part in support of families experiencing homelessness. 

Speaking about the campaign, Ms O'Brien said: "Every child deserves the chance to grow to grow up in a safe, secure home. Shine A Light is about giving people the opportunity to stand in solidarity with families experiencing homelessness, raise vital funds, and send a clear message that child homelessness is not inevitable and can be ended."