‘The situation is dire’ – Kilkenny homeless shelter witnesses unprecedented demand for services

The Good Shepherd Centre Kilkenny, which has been at the forefront of providing support and shelter to those in need, is witnessing an unprecedented demand for its services, leading to calls for a comprehensive response from policymakers.

Noel Sherry, CEO of the Good Shepherd Centre, expressed deep concern over the current housing situation, emphasising the urgent need for government intervention sooner rather than later.

"The housing crisis is not just a statistic; it is a stark reality for thousands of families, older people, and individuals with disabilities who find themselves without a place to call home," said Mr Sherry. "We are seeing an increase in the number of people seeking our services, and it is clear that more needs to be done at a governmental level to address this issue."

The Good Shepherd Centre has given hope to many, by providing essential services such as emergency accommodation, support for individuals experiencing homelessness, and assistance in finding long-term housing solutions.

Currently the centre is operating at full capacity. With more and more people in need of their services, the shelter is struggling to meet this growing demand.

"The situation is dire, and it is affecting the most vulnerable in our society," Mr Sherry continued. "Older people, people with disabilities, and families with children are all in desperate need of stable, affordable housing. We need a multifaceted approach that includes investment in affordable housing, policy changes to protect tenants, and support for those at risk of homelessness. The time for all-out action is now."

Mr Sherry also highlighted the broader social implications of the housing crisis, noting that stable housing is fundamental to the well-being of individuals and families.

"Housing is a basic human right, and its absence has far-reaching consequences on the economy, health, education, and overall quality of life," he stated. "We urge the government to prioritise this issue and work collaboratively with organisations like ours to create sustainable solutions."

The Good Shepherd Centre is calling on all government agencies to work together and ensure a coordinated response to remove all restraints in the delivery of housing and support services.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to provide support and advocate for those who are affected by this crisis," Mr Sherry concluded. "But we cannot do it alone. We need the government to step up and take meaningful action."