The Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny began their 'March for Housing' initiative last Monday as those from the organisation and the wider community walked through the city's streets to highlight the deepening housing crisis.
Another walk is planned for Monday, March 10 and the local homelessness charity will also join the St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17 to amplify their message.
The latest Department of Housing figures reveal a record high of 15,286 people in emergency accommodation at the end of January, including 4,603 children in 2,164 families. These numbers do not include those sleeping rough, couch-surfing, in domestic violence refuges, or unaccommodated asylum seekers, meaning the true extent of homelessness is likely even higher.
"We are here to help solve the housing crisis but we need things to start moving again with government," the Good Shepherd Centre posted to social media.
"So many projects have been stalled over the past five months. We need movement and we are ready to help - we also believe in supporting people who need help to remain in their forever home.
"Join our lunchtime walk in Kilkenny City next Monday, or give us a wave of support, or feel free to walk alongside us on St Patrick’s Day," the post concluded.
Meanwhile, Noel Sherry, CEO of the Good Shepherd Centre, said: "People need real homes, not makeshift structures. A bed in a shed is not a home, and we cannot allow this to become the norm.
"We are here to show solidarity with those affected and to demand urgent action," Mr Sherry added.
"People deserve secure, sustainable housing – not temporary solutions that don’t address the root of the problem. We are marching to remind those in power that action is needed now," said Noel Sherry.
The Good Shepherd Centre, along with its sister agency Tar Isteach Housing, operates across Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Tipperary, Wexford, Offaly, Westmeath, and Longford. The organisation warns that delays in decision-making and funding allocations are stalling essential social housing projects, leaving thousands in limbo.
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