'Working full-time — but nowhere to live': Hidden homelessness exposed in Kilkenny
Reality of ‘invisible homelessness’ and the growing impact of Ireland’s housing crisis in focus at event hosted by Good Shepherd Centre
The story of a young woman who was working full time - but still had nowhere top call home due to the rental crisis - was just one of the stories heard at a recent event in Kilkenny.
The reality of ’invisible homelessness’ and the growing impact of Ireland’s housing crisis were brought into sharp focus at ‘More Than a Job: Women Working with the Homeless’, hosted by the Good Shepherd Centre. It saw frontline workers sharing insights into the increasing number of people living without a secure home, many of whom remain largely unseen.
Keynote speaker Deirdre Healy, Regional Manager with the Good Shepherd Centre, highlighted her work, including the experience of a young woman who became homeless after losing her rental property. Her situation is one services are encountering more frequently as housing pressures intensify, with people in full-time employment finding themselves couch-surfing or in unsafe accommodation.
“Mina’s homelessness was invisible,” Deirdre Healy said. “She showed up to work every day, but behind the scenes she had nowhere safe to sleep.”
Mina’s story reflects a growing reality. Homelessness increasingly affects people who are working and trying to remain independent, particularly as rents rise and tenancies come to an end.
The Good Shepherd Centre recently warned that the situation is set to worsen, with a 51% rise in notices of termination recorded in the first three months of 2026. With 17,517 people already in emergency accommodation, the organisation has called for an immediate ban on evictions to prevent further homelessness.
The event also highlighted more complex pathways into homelessness, including “Leah,” who experienced years of trauma and instability before sleeping rough and eventually engaging with support through a Housing First approach. Speakers emphasised that homelessness is rarely just about housing. It is closely linked to trauma, mental health and access to support, requiring long-term and person-centred responses.
Ciara Quinn, Chief Operations Officer at the Good Shepherd Centre, said: “Every day we see the real and often hidden impact of homelessness in our communities. Our work is about more than accommodation. It is about restoring dignity, building trust and supporting people to rebuild their lives. We are always looking for compassionate, committed people to join us. This is work with real purpose.”
The Good Shepherd Centre is currently recruiting and is encouraging people interested in meaningful, impactful careers to apply. Details from https://gsck.ie/recruitment.