Out with the Thresh-old, in with the new
Cillian Ferry
A national housing charity has renamed its Cork-based Access Housing Unit (AHU) in line with a shift in demand for homelessness support.
From now on, housing charity Threshold’s AHU will be known as the Threshold Intervention and Prevention Service’ (TIPS), reflecting its work in helping people to exit homelessness as well as its support for those at risk of losing their homes.
Founded in 1978, Threshold is a national housing charity that provides free advice and support to renters facing problems such as eviction, rent arrears and disputes with landlords. It also campaigns for stronger tenants’ rights and works to prevent homelessness by helping people remain in their homes.
The AHU had operated in Cork since 2012 and since has received 1,292 referrals. The rebrand comes at a time where the profile of homelessness in Cork is changing, with single men accounting for 88% of referrals in 2026 to date, compared to 20% in 2021.
Within Threshold, TIPS is unique to Cork and receives referrals from Cork City Council as well as Threshold’s Tenancy Protection Service. The TIPS team works closely with referrals to explore all housing options, considering family composition and family circumstances.
Recognising that people at risk of or experiencing homelessness may need a range of supports, the team provides regular visiting tenancy sustainment support to address challenges such as rent arrears and budgeting issues. The TIPS team also provides support to access services around physical and mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and child protection concerns.
Mairéad O’Sullivan, Assistant Manager of TIPS, said: “Every person and household we work with has different circumstances and different challenges, and our role is to understand those needs and provide the right support at the right time. The needs of the people we work with are changing, and our approach needs to evolve with them.
“TIPS allows us to provide tailored support at different stages, from helping people move out of homelessness to helping them to maintain a tenancy when challenges arise. The rebrand as Threshold Intervention and Prevention Service (TIPS) reflects the breadth of this work and our continued commitment to helping people achieve a secure and sustainable home.”
In recent years, Threshold has seen a decrease in people being able to secure rented accommodation due to a lack of available properties and rising rents. The service is now seeing more people in employment living in emergency accommodation, highlighting how employment alone does not necessarily protect people from homelessness in the current housing market.