Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
263. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update under Housing for All to expand street outreach teams for rough sleepers nationwide. [7125/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCrucial to the success of Housing First and the achievement of the targets set out in the Housing First National Implementation Plan 2022-2026 is ensuring that the most vulnerable and most entrenched homeless individuals receive the support and engagement required. Central to this is the provision of an effective and assertive outreach service that ensures that people without shelter are linked in with appropriate housing and health services and supports and, where appropriate, put on the Housing First pathway.
There are Outreach Programmes in place across all urban centres nationally. In the Dublin region, an outreach and intensive engagement service is provided by Dublin Simon Community in partnership with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. This service engages with adults who experience rough sleeping, supports them into temporary homeless accommodation, and makes appropriate referrals to permanent housing options, particularly Housing First.
In line with commitments made in Housing for All, The Housing Agency has completed a good practice guide for Street Outreach for local authorities. This manual will assist regions in expanding outreach services into those urban areas in which rough sleeping is understood to be a concern.
As part of their annual expenditure programmes in 2023, funding proposals have been invited from regional authorities for the provision of appropriate, fit for purpose outreach services which will engage with people who are persistently rough sleeping.
