Simon Communities Report Highlights Housing Crisis

The Simon Communities' quarterly report, 'Locked Out of the Market', highlights a severe shortage of affordable housing, with families reliant on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) facing prolonged homelessness. In 12 of the 16 surveyed areas, no rental properties were available within standard or discretionary HAP limits, which has decreased by 25% since June 2024. Only 33 properties were available under the discretionary HAP rate, predominantly in Dublin, where 76% of HAP properties are located. The report indicates a troubling trend, with many families and individuals forced to remain in temporary accommodations longer. Executive director Wayne Stanley emphasized the dire situation, pointing out the increasing number of homeless individuals in emergency housing. The need for systemic change is underscored by the findings, which echo concerns highlighted in a recent Housing Commission report.