Rough sleepers in Clare are calling for enhanced day services to be rolled out here in order to break the cycle of homelessness.
It comes as the founder of a new mobile shower service for the homeless in the county town has reported an uptake in use of the service.
Shauna from Ennis says her battle with alcoholism led to a substantial period of her young life being spent on the streets.
She first became homeless at 21 years of age and spent over six months squatting in a derelict building, while also sleeping rough on the streets of Limerick, without access to hygeine
Her Partner Derek spent much of that time alongside her and says the new mobile shower service in Ennis is having a hugely positive impact on his wellbeing.
According to the Department of Housing, there were 97 adults living homeless in Clare last month, but this does not include rough sleepers.
As of April, there were 10 people residing in emergency accommodation beds in the county town where residents have to stay out of the designated centre between 9am and 9pm and risk losing there beds if not back on time.
Ben who’s also been using the service says in addition to capacity, more day services are needed in Ennis to support the homeless community.
Listen to the full interview here
