Children are left with 'life-long trauma' after spending time in homelessness, according to a housing expert.
It's after a new report from the ESRI found lone parents and their children account for over half of all homeless families.
1/2 The ESRI & IHREC have published today a damning report on the growing divide in access to housing which highlights how the most vulnerable sections of society are often either in overcrowded, inadequate housing – or in emergency accommodation:https://t.co/UM0rWt1An4
— Cian O'Callaghan T.D. (@OCallaghanCian) September 14, 2021
Two Homes Puts Strain On Parents
Lone parents and their children account for 53 percent of all homeless families, according to this study.
They're also more likely to experience poor housing than other family groups.
Karen Kiernan from One Family Ireland says it's practically impossible to get housing from just one income:
"When people separate it's really difficult."
"There's less money to go round and families are trying to create two homes."
Homelessness Is 'Traumatic'
19 percent of lone parents had affordability issues, compared to just 5 percent of the general population.
Meanwhile, ethnic minority groups had a higher risk of living in overcrowded accommodation.
Some minorities had up to 40 percent living in over-crowded settings, compared to 6 percent of the total population.
Assistant Professor at Maynooth University, Rory Hearne, doesn't believe the government is listening:
"Homelessness is a traumatic experience."
He says it's "an adverse childhood experience psychologically for children."
"It's a trauma that leaves life long scars."
Challenges highlighted in the study include the fear of homelessness levels going back up as restrictions and protections ease, as well as rents rising faster than wages.
