The Homeless Agency was established in Dublin in 2001 in response to the higher levels of homelessness experienced in the city than elsewhere in Ireland at that time. It followed on from the former Homeless Initiative, which was established in 1996.

The Vision of the Homeless Agency, guides the work to be completed under each of the action plans. A key to the door 2007-2010 is the Homeless Agency’s current Action Plan. It follows Shaping the Future (2001-2003) and Making it Home (2004-2006). A key to the door covers the period from 2007-2010, in order to bring the Agency to the completion of its four-year action plan and its ten-year vision.