The number of people in emergency homeless accommodation has reached a new record high of 14,429, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.
Data released on Friday afternoon shows that 10,028 adults and 4,401 children were accessing emergency accommodation during the last week of July.
It is the first time there has been more than 10,000 adults accessing emergency accommodation managed by local authorities.
The latest figures also reveal that there were a total of 2,096 families.
The figures do not include people sleeping rough, those that may be couch surfing or homeless in hospitals or prisons, or those who are in shelter for asylum seekers or domestic violence centres.
Of the 10,028 adults, 61 per cent were male and 39 per cent were female. Overall, two thirds were classified as single adults.
Of the 2,096 families, 1,205 were single-parent groups.
There were 7,198 adults and 3,289 children accessing services in Dublin.
Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said: “We are seeing an increase in homelessness for the seventh consecutive month. In the face of this seemingly relentless growth, it is important that we do not lose sight of the fact that we can get ahead of this crisis.
"The Simon Communities are working with colleagues across local authorities and government departments to prevent people from entering homelessness and support those who are experiencing homelessness to move on from it. In the first half of this year, seven households a day were supported out of homelessness.
"There are solutions. We can see the impact they are having every day. If we can get more investment in infrastructure to deliver the homes that are needed, and the policy change to prevent homelessness, we can increase the number of people leaving homelessness, reduce the number of people coming in and finally get ahead of this crisis.
"In that fight, the next six months will be critical. With the upcoming Budget and general election, there are opportunities to deliver the decisive action that can see strides taken to address the homelessness crisis.”
