With regard to homelessness in the county, I ask what procedures are in place to deal with this issue when it happens, especially when it happens at short notice.
Minutes:
It was agreed by the Members that Motion No 14 in the name of Councillor Sean McDermott and Motion No 20 in the name of Councillor Brendan Barry be taken concurrently as they relate to the same issue.
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Sean McDermott;
"With regard to homelessness in the county, I ask what procedures are in place to deal with this issue when it happens, especially when it happens at short notice."
Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services
"A person who finds themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness should present themselves to the Housing Section in Leitrim County Council.
The HAP Place Finder works closely with the homeless presentation in terms of carrying out a homeless assessment to identify their housing needs which includes the completion and submission of a Social Housing Application form.
Leitrim County Council may assist the homeless person/household in the provision of temporary emergency accommodation until alternative private rented accommodation is sourced.
The homeless person/household may be eligible to receive the Homeless HAP Scheme which consists of Leitrim County Council paying the deposit and/or two months’ rent at HAP rate upfront to the landlord for the private rented accommodation that has been sourced.
The Housing Department works closely with other agencies and North West Simon in Leitrim and Sligo to provide a responsive service to persons/households presenting as homeless at all times."
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brendan Barry;
"I ask Leitrim County Council how many people have presented as being homeless in County Leitrim in the last 12 months and what was done for these people? e.g. Were they offered a council property? Were they offered emergency accommodation? Were they given a sleeping bag and advised to find a rental property?"
Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services
"Leitrim County Council plays a significant role in the prevention of homelessness and in resolving matters before the person/household actually become homeless. The Housing Department works closely with people who are issued with a Notice to Quit and/or are at risk of becoming homeless for a number of different reasons. The HAP Place Finder service was introduced into the Housing Department in January 2021 and has provides significant support in the sourcing of private rented accommodation and in securing temporary emergency accommodation when no other option exists. Homeless presentation figures for the past 12 months are as follows:
No. Presented as Homeless to LCC from Sept 2020 to August 2021 – 46 Homeless Presentations
Outcomes:
2020
• 2 secured social housing accommodation support including HAP and Homeless HAP
• 8 persons staying with family/friends/caravan
• 3 provided with temporary emergency accommodation
• 2 others
2021
• 6 provided with temporary emergency accommodation
• 10 staying with family/friends/caravan.
• 7 secured social housing accommodation support including HAP and Homeless HAP
• 2 secured private rented and are awaiting assessment for SHS
• 6 other"
Councillor Sean McDermott said that all Stakeholders need to come together and develop a strategy for each Municipal District as there should be no people homeless.
Ms Samantha Healy, Senior Executive Officer, Housing and Corporate Services outlined that the Housing Department works closely with people who are issued with a Notice to Quit and/or are at risk of becoming homeless for a number of different reasons. The HAP Place Finder service was introduced into the Housing Department in January 2021 and has provided significant support in the sourcing of private rented accommodation and in securing temporary emergency accommodation when no other option exists.
The homeless person/household may be eligible to receive the Homeless HAP Scheme which consists of Leitrim County Council paying the deposit and/or two months’ rent at HAP rate upfront to the landlord for the private rented accommodation that has been sourced.
The Housing Department works closely with other agencies and North West Simon in Leitrim and Sligo to provide a responsive service to persons/households presenting as homeless at all times.
Councillor Brendan Barry acknowledged the reply received in this regard, that property has got very expensive, and that people are in emergency accommodation for a number of months. Councillor Barry sought clarification on how many people are issued with sleeping bags.
Councillor Sean McDermott said all stakeholders should be coming together and Leitrim County Council have to do better than providing a sleeping bag. Councillor Sean McDermott acknowledged that there is a housing list and he proposed that this issue be discussed at the next Housing SPC meeting.
Ms Samantha Healy said in January 2021 a Housing Action Team was setup which includes various agencies in Leitrim, and they meet regularly.
Councillor Mary Bohan acknowledged that some people have complex needs and she agreed that the matter be discussed at the next SPC meeting.
Councillor Des Guckian said he would like to receive the replies to Motions No 14 and 20 and paid tribute to the comprehensive reply received from Ms Healy.
Councillor Guckian also asked that the Housing Out of Office Emergency Number be forwarded to him.
Ms Samantha Healy agreed to circulate the number to all Members.