![Morning Focus [Repeat] with Alan Morrissey](https://www.clare.fm/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AlanMorrisseyOnAir.png "Morning Focus [Repeat] with Alan Morrissey")
Midwest homeless services say a lack of long-term planning has led to a perfect storm in terms of housing provision.
The level of homelessness across the country is continuing to rise in recent months, while humanitarian efforts are continuing to house Ukrainians forced to flee the war torn country.
The latest report from the Department of Housing shows the level of homelessness in Clare jumped by 11% between July and August, with 67 homeless adults in the county.
This rise mirrors the national trend, with one homeless charity, Novas saying we’ve now reached crisis point.
It’s Head of Policy and Communications says the Government is facing a “perfect storm” when it comes to housing provision, due to an already high level of homelessness, now coupled with an influx of displaced refuges.
Una Burns says however that a lack of long term planning is what’s impacting the situation at the moment.
A West Clare Councillor fears that big problems are coming down the line in terms of the provision of housing to people in need.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy is concerned that the local authority is having to compete with International Protection Accommodation Services to secure accommodation.
But Midwest Simon’s CEO says the provision of accommodation for displaced refugees from areas like Ukraine hasn’t yet impacted on homeless services, as the accommodation in question had never been pledged for homeless services in the first place.
Jackie Bonfield believes the only step that can make an immediate impact now on the housing crisis now is an increase to HAP rates, which she says would make it more attractive to landlords to rent and give renters access to affordable accommodation.
While she’s welcoming plans to construct more new houses, she believes it doesn’t do anything to solve the problem in the short-term.
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