A LETTERKENNY councillor has called for an emergency housing plan to be put in place to help support the homeless in the county.
Department of Housing figures relating to the end of August shows there has been a 16 per cent increase in homelessness in Donegal where 57 adults are homeless.
In the North West, 120 people are registered as homeless.
That figures is up nine per cent when compared to the pervious month, while there are currently 35 children accessing emergency accommodation in the region.
At a recent Donegal County Council meeting, Cllr Gerry McMonagle raised the issue of homelessness and the lack of emergency accommodation available for people.
He said the Council does not have an emergency plan in place.
“The hostels that support people who are homeless are fill to the brim in this county. There are people who are depending on getting one or two nights in a BnB which does not help their situation long term.
“Unfortunately there are a lot of people presenting as houseless and we have no emergency accommodation for them.
“There was talk of Gleneely House being taken under control and turned into a homeless type hostel but that has not happened,” Cllr McMonagle.
The number of people who are homeless in the county is expected to be much higher with people ‘sofa surfing’ and staying with family or friends. Cllr McMonagle said it is important to help those who are vulnerable especially as the eviction ban has been lifted. The eviction ban was lifted in March.
Cllr McMonagle said this has resulted in a growing number of people being left homeless. He also raised concerns about working families who are in limbo.
“Some families out there now do not qualify for social house because they are working and are over the threshold.
“However, they are in limbo because they cannot afford to get a mortgage,” said Cllr McMonagle.
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