Homelessness rises to a record high of 17,885 people as Focus Ireland calls on Government to strengthen housing and homelessness measures ahead of Budget 2027

Focus Ireland is calling on the Government to use its forthcoming budget to enhance efforts to prevent homelessness and accelerate the delivery of housing solutions after the latest figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage showed homelessness has increased for the month of August.

The figures reveal that 17,885 people were living in emergency accommodation at the end of August, highlighting the continued pressure facing individuals and families struggling to secure stable housing.

This represents an increase of 358 people experiencing homelessness compared with July, including 171 more children and 76 more families. Overall homelessness remains significantly higher over the last 12 months, with overall levels in August 2026 standing 9 per cent higher than in August 2025.

These figures come just days before Budget 2027 is announced, and Focus Ireland are urging Government to ensure additional supports for those at risk of homelessness are included, including increasing the HAP payment to match the increase cost of living, and provide funds for the delayed Child and Family Homeless Action Plan.

This increase indicates an ongoing need for greater investment in homelessness prevention measures, increasing housing supply and stronger supports for households at risk of losing their homes. Focus Ireland is urging Government to prioritise both the prevention of homelessness and the rapid delivery of long-term housing solutions to help reverse the upward trend.
Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan said:

“These figures are not just statistics ,these figures represent 17,885 human beings who are currently experiencing homelessness, including families with children living in emergency accommodation. While significant efforts are being made across the sector, it is clear more action is needed if we are to reduce the number of people entering homelessness and increase the number leaving it.

“Every person deserves the safety, dignity and stability of a home. Yet thousands of children continue to grow up without that security, spending critical years of their lives in emergency accommodation.

“In the upcoming Budget, the Government must continue to accelerate housing delivery while also strengthening homelessness prevention measures. Keeping people in their homes wherever possible remains one of the most effective ways of tackling homelessness and this requires increasing the HAP support payment.

“We are also calling on the Government to use its upcoming budget to provide sufficient funding as part of the repeatedly postponed Child and Family Homeless Action Plan, ensuring families are provided with much needed supports to remain in their homes.”