Depaul Highlights Changing Face Of Homelessness In Wexford

A homeless charity operating in Wexford town says the public perception of who becomes homeless often bears little resemblance to reality.

Depaul, which runs Ozanam House in Wexford, says people using homeless services can include those who are working, studying for the Leaving Cert or attending college.

Speaking to South East Radio, Niamh Thornton said the charity’s latest research found that homelessness can affect people from all walks of life and often follows an unexpected change in circumstances.

Those factors can include the loss of a tenancy, relationship breakdown, illness, leaving the care system, addiction or mental health difficulties.

Depaul says many people who took part in its research said they had never expected homelessness to happen to them.

The charity also found that people described losing privacy, independence and dignity while homeless, along with feelings of shame, isolation and uncertainty.

Depaul has a strong presence in the South East, including its Ozanam House service in Wexford town, which provides accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.

The organisation is also encouraging people in County Wexford who have lived experience of homelessness to help shape services in the future.

It says hearing directly from people who have used those services is essential in understanding what support is needed and how people can be helped to move into secure, long-term accommodation.

Depaul says the focus should be on ensuring there is “no wrong door” for people seeking help, so that anyone who reaches out can be directed quickly to the support they need.