Cold Weather Strategy being launched for homeless in Dublin
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) has responsibility for co-ordinating responses to homelessness on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authorities. In order to meet the increase in demand for homeless services and have the appropriate contingency plans in place for cold weather conditions, the DRHE is now activating the Cold Weather Strategy for 2018 for the Dublin Region.
The impact of severe weather can be immediately life threatening to people who are sleeping rough and it is essential to have a coordinated response plan in place for the duration of the cold weather period.
In tandem with the launch of the Cold Weather Strategy, the DRHE is leading and resourcing the introduction of additional bed capacity and support services, in partnership with a range of charitable organisations funded by the DRHE. The approach is twofold, current emergency accommodation capacity is being expanded to meet demand and we will also provide a targeted response to engage with people who are long-term rough sleeping and people who may not be in regular contact with services.
Services operate throughout the year to support persons who are rough sleeping. However, there is an increased emphasis on the level of service provision during the cold period in order to mitigate against the health risks that people can be exposed to, through rough sleeping in cold weather conditions. The cold weather period provides opportunities for engagement with long-term rough sleepers and hard-to-reach groups, where increased supports need to be available.
During the cold weather period the Housing First Intake Team, operate from 7.00am – 1.00am every day. The Intake Team will increase their staffing for the cold weather period, to enable broader engagement with persons sleeping rough across the Dublin Region. The Housing First transport facility is available to assist in supporting vulnerable people sleeping rough to access accommodation.
Additional beds and units will be brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities for singles, couples and families.