Good Shepherd Centre calls on Kilkenny election candidates to make housing their top priority

The Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny (GSCK) is calling on all candidates for the upcoming local elections to make housing their top priority.

As local and European elections approach on June 7, GSCK CEO Noel Sherry is highlighting the critical importance of addressing homelessness and ensuring that elected members are committed to supporting vulnerable members of the community.

"In the past week, our staff have secured homes for nine more households that will be able to move in within the next six weeks," he said.

"We are working hard to make a difference in our community for people who need secure tenancies. We are also working on emergency accommodation solutions across the South-East. That is a stark reminder that the problem of homelessness.

"We provide hope through a home as an exit to homelessness while we also cater for people in emergency accommodation facing the stark reality of homelessness on a daily basis."

The Good Shepherd Centre provides essential services to those in need, including 38 emergency homeless beds in dedicated hostel and apartment accommodations.

Their comprehensive approach includes holistic needs assessment, brokerage, harm reduction programs, referrals to support access to health, treatment and housing pathways to achieve a permanent exit from homelessness.

The Good Shepherd Centre’s key housing supports include their Housing Plus Programme and High Support Housing.

High Support Housing is for individuals at risk of repeated homelessness due to mental health issues, addiction, and dual diagnosis.

This service provides case management, healthcare supports, and cleaning in collaboration with local health and community services.

As well as that there is also Tenancy Support that assists 200 households across Carlow, Laois, Kilkenny, and Tipperary.

This service supports the elderly, people with disabilities, and families at risk of homelessness, providing them with the necessary resources to maintain their housing.

As well as that, the Own Front Door (Kilkenny & Carlow) initiative offers 50 units of accommodation for families and single individuals as an alternative to hotels and hostels, providing a traditional housing setting.

The program includes holistic needs assessment, brokerage, and referrals to support access to health, treatment, and housing pathways, ensuring a sustainable exit from homelessness.

With the upcoming elections, the Good Shepherd Centre urges candidates to focus on practical solutions to the housing crisis and support initiatives that provide stable, long-term housing for those in need.

The GSCK believes that by prioritising housing, our local councillors can make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable community members and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society.