Depaul helped 386 people in Cork in 2023
A cross border charity supporting people who are or at risk of homeless helped nearly 400 people in Cork last year, it was revealed this week.
A report published by Depaul on Tuesday found that in 2023 the charity supported 386 people through their homelessness services in Cork.
The report underscores, Depaul said, the organisation’s significant achievements in an increasingly challenging environment, focusing on the intersection of mental health and homelessness and highlighting the need to listen to those who are the victims of this crisis - the men, women and children in temporary accommodation and direct provision.
The report revealed a 46% increase in the number of people seeking support compared to 2022. Depaul provided essential support to 10,936 people—8,445 adults and 2,491 children, including 1,415 families—marking an 85% increase in families seeking help compared to 2022.
The scale of the crisis is underpinned, the charity said, by the fact that 18 babies were born into homelessness within Depaul’s services last year, highlighting the urgent need for long-term solutions.
The report also highlighted the profound mental health crisis facing those in temporary accommodation. On any given night, at least 100 of the 700 service users reported mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Depaul staff dealt with 276 cases of suicidal ideation and 140 cases of self-harm in 2023.
Speaking on the release of the report, David Carroll, CEO of Depaul, emphasised the need for urgent action to address the growing complexities of homelessness and mental health.
“The intersection of homelessness and mental health has never been more acute. With over 1,299 service users reporting mental health concerns in 2023, it’s clear that temporary accommodation is simply not suitable for many of them. These environments exacerbate issues like depression and anxiety, and we must prioritise long-term, housing-led solutions that provide both security and comprehensive support.
“On any given night, of the 700 people in our temporary accommodation, around 100 have severe, enduring mental health issues. These include bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and severe depression. These individuals require more than just a roof over their heads — they need specialised care, professional support and the security of permanent, appropriate housing.”
Dermot Murphy, Director of Services and Development at Depaul, said: “We now need financial models and legislation to ensure that single-unit housing solutions are delivered that allow people with enduring mental health needs to live in dignity. Without a comprehensive and well-funded strategy to deliver single units, we risk pushing more people into long-term homelessness, which could result in severe and lifelong consequences for their mental health.”
To meet the growing demands, Depaul is conducting extensive research on the intersection of mental health and homelessness in the Republic of Ireland. Findings are expected to be published in early 2025.