Ireland’s homelessness crisis has deepened to its worst level on record, with 16,614 people living in emergency accommodation during the week of September 22nd to 28th 2025, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The data show 11,376 adults without a home, same up from 10,683 in January, marking a 6.5% increase in just nine months. Even more alarming is the rise in child homelessness: 5,238 children were recorded as homeless in September, compared with 4,603 in January, a jump of 13.8%; more than double the rate of increase among adults.
Breaking down the adult figures, male homelessness rose by 232 people (3.5%), while female homelessness climbed by 461 people (11.2%), significantly narrowing the gender gap.
Year-on-year, the total number of people in emergency accommodation is up by 1,854 (12.6%) compared with the same period in 2024.
These statistics exclude people who are sleeping rough, “couch-surfing”, or staying in hospitals, asylum-seeker centres or domestic-violence refuges—meaning the true scale of homelessness is even higher.
The Simon Communities of Ireland described the figures as “deeply worrying”. Executive Director Mr Bér Grogan said: “Children should be thinking about dressing up and going trick or treating, not wondering where they’ll sleep tonight. Families should be planning fun activities – not counting how many nights they have left in an emergency bed. Young people should be starting their lives, not starting adulthood in homelessness.”
With homelessness numbers climbing month after month, pressure on the housing system remains acute, fuelled by rising rents, ongoing evictions, and a shortage of secure, long-term accommodation.
The Simon Communities are urging Minister for Housing Mr James Browne to ensure that the forthcoming housing and homelessness strategy focuses on eradicating long-term homelessness, with an emphasis on prevention, targeted supports, and the rapid delivery of social and affordable housing.
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