Lone parents and their kids account for over 50% of homeless families

Only 25% of lone parents owned a home.

New research has found that lone parents and their children account for 53% of homeless families in Ireland. Lone parents are more likely to experience poor housing and housing struggles more than any other type of family. The research was conducted by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Economic and Social Research Institute. Only 25% of lone parents owned a home. 70% of the overall population reported home-ownership, according to the study. The research explained that lone parents are more likely to struggle financially. They are also at a bigger risk of facing housing issues like damp, heating problems, and lack of security. Speaking about the findings, Sinéan Gibney of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission said: "Access to adequate housing is a fundamental human right." "This report shows profound barriers to adequate housing among lone parents, people across generations, Travellers and migrants." “Adequate housing allows people to not only survive but thrive and achieve their full potential, whilst leading to a more just, inclusive and sustainable society.” The research also found that young people, migrants, travellers and people with disabilities also faced bigger problems in the Irish housing system. They are facing issues like overcrowding, lack of security, increasing rents and worsening living conditions. Experts fear living conditions in Ireland will worsen as pandemic restrictions ease. They have urged the Government to take immediate action before homeless figures increase beyond repair.