ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT NEEDED FOR HOMELESS, SIMON SAYS

Oct 2, 2024 | Featured Articles

The role of permanent housing as a cornerstone in the recovery process for homeless people, particularly for those with mental health issues and addiction, was highlighted at the launch of ‘Simon Week 2024’ in Dublin in September, hosted by the Simon Communities of Ireland.

Ireland’s current housing system cannot cater to different recovery stages where housing pathways are usually determined by availability as opposed to need, according to Anita Harris, Deputy Head of Services at Coolmine.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s ‘Simon Week’ she noted that for those in recovery from addiction, acceptance of housing and accommodation based on availability as opposed to their needs can be detrimental to their recovery. While there have been great collaborations and innovative responses between addiction services and housing providers, this is not all encompassing, and is dependent on annual funding, geography and policy direction.”

For the past 50 years the Simon Communities have provided homeless, housing and treatment services, and supported over 24,000 men, women, and children facing homelessness.

She said that the need for an inter-departmental strategic response to homelessness by both the Department of Housing and Department of Health is required where both hold accountability for the outcome. “We are all in agreement that provision of housing is the solution to homelessness but for the majority of homeless people, this prospect is years away. In the interim, we need to ensure appropriate housing pathways with health supports are in place for people both entering and exiting treatment.

“We need significant expansion of the already existing housing supports for people trying to access treatment. For people exiting treatment, Recovery Housing is a very real and practical solution that requires real consideration by the department of Housing and Health.”

Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said: “The Housing First programme delivers for those long-term in homelessness and we’re calling this Government and the next Government to increase the ambition for that programme.

“Housing First is the solution to long-term homelessness, but we also want to ensure that homelessness does not become a long-term crisis for those in homelessness.” He says they are calling for the expansion of the initiatives in place to do that work.

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