Press Release
Latest rough sleeper figures a “tragic reminder” of ongoing crisis, say Merchants Quay Ireland
Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), the national homeless charity, has described new rough sleeping figures as “a tragic reminder” of the ongoing homeless crisis.
The figures for Winter 2018 show 156 people sleeping rough in Dublin, an increase from 110 earlier this year. It is, however, a 15% decrease on the figures for Winter 2017.
Speaking on the release of the figures, Paula Byrne, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland said:
“These figures are a tragic reminder that, as we head into Christmas, Ireland still faces a housing and homeless crisis. No one should be forced to spend Christmas on the streets.
“Rough sleepers are the visible face of homelessness and they are the people we see day-in, day-out at Merchants Quay Ireland. We are open every night, right through Christmas, providing a safe place out of the cold for people who are homeless to rest and eat. Unfortunately, as this crisis continues, we need the support of the generous Irish public more than ever.”
Alan, a client of Merchants Quay, said:
“Christmas time can be the hardest time to be homeless. You’re not around family and you’re on your own and on the streets. If you’ve got somewhere you can come and take your mind off things, get something to eat, you feel like a human being again”
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Rooney
Communications Officer
Merchants Quay Ireland
T: 01 531 2958
M: 086 7793 208
Email: andrew.rooney@mqi.ie
Website: www.mqi.ie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerchantsQuayIR
Twitter: @MerchantsQuayIR
