The 2019 report follows on from previous reports published by the DRHE on families experiencing homelessness in the Dublin region for the periods 2016 - 2018. As family homelessness continues to be a significant cohort of the homeless population in the Dublin region, the DRHE is committed to examining the data in relation to these families so that through the evidence, we can identify the pathways in and out of homelessness and understand where we can intervene most effectively to prevent or reduce homelessness. This report is a review of the data relating to families who presented and entered homeless services for the first time in year 2019. The analysis allows for further comparison to trends identified in previous research, strengthening the known evidence on the profile of families and their progression through services.

Similarly, this report continues to show that lone parents, non-Irish nationals and larger families are more vulnerable to homelessness compared with the general population. The Homeless Housing Assistance Payment remained the main route of exit out of homelessness into homes for most families. Of families who became homeless in 2019, 52.7% exited homelessness to housing within twelve months and of these 70.1% secured homes through the Homeless Housing Assistance Payment scheme. The report also indicates that larger families have a lower probability rate of exiting homelessness in the short-term compared to small size families. Continued provision of such evidence gives more insight into the multi-factorial nature of family homelessness and provides opportunity for potential new ways of thinking and for providing solutions at a national level.