Over 250 Cork and Kerry kids homeless this summer

255 children in Cork and Kerry spent their summer holidays in emergency accommodation this year. Nationwide, 5,620 children were in the same position.

The figures were released by Focus Ireland, which said that homelessness was having a serious effect on children, who are missing out on important social milestones, such as play dates and sleepovers.

There are currently almost 17,482 people living in emergency accommodation, including 1,157 people in Cork and Kerry. Children make up one-third of those experiencing homelessness in the state.

The average stay for a family in emergency accommodation is over a year, with many staying far longer.

Research shows that children in emergency accommodation are at increased risk of anxiety, developmental delays, and disrupted education. Families housed in emergency hubs often move between multiple temporary locations, leading to instability, isolation, and loss of community ties for parents and children.

Niamh Kelleher, Intensive Care Manager at Focus Ireland, said: “Too many families in Cork are experiencing their summer holidays in emergency accommodation.

“Parents are stressed, and children are missing out on the experiences that many of us remember from our own childhood summers; friends calling around to play, summer camps, or days out together as a family,” she said.

Summer homelessness causes particular stress for parents and children. Dr Sharon Lambert, a Senior Lecturer in University College Cork’s School of Applied Psychology, works closely with families in homelessness across Ireland.

She said that childhood experiences of summer are often severely compromised for children living in emergency accommodation and may contribute to an increase in distress and developmental milestones being disrupted.

“Everything that you consider in terms of a summer and what children ought to be doing in summer is at risk of being massively disrupted. Even very simple things that people take for granted, like a playdate or a sleepover.

“There are aspects to child development that are important, and social and emotional development often happens in the context of play and friendships. Disruptions to friendships and play can be very stressful for children. Essentially, children in homelessness could be missing out on these important developmental milestones or at least, those important developmental milestones are being disrupted,” she said.

In response to rising homelessness numbers in Cork, Focus Ireland is organising the Shine a Light sleep out, which will take place on Friday 9 October, to be held in Cork City Gaol.

Participants are also invited to organise their own sleepovers on the same date.

The charity hopes to raise over €1.2 million in funds to support families experiencing homelessness, as demand on the organisation’s services continues to rise.

Launching the campaign, Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “Shine A Light is a national response to a national crisis. We believe no child should have to endure the trauma of homelessness.

“That’s why we’re asking you to join us this October, to sleep out for Shine A Light, proudly supported by Sisk, to raise funds for services which keep people in their homes, support children in crisis, and provide pathways out of homelessness,” he said.