The South East region has been pro-active in terms of establishing Homeless Action Teams (HAT) in each Local Authority area and working to achieve a standardised approach to care and case management. The HAT meets weekly with representatives from Local Authority, HSE, St Michael’s Unit, Cuan Saor and Department of Social Protection. The HAT structure is proving to be an example of best practice in multi-agency co-operation in dealing with homelessness and it’s prevention.
Homeless Supports within South Tipperary
Homeless Action Team (H.A.T.)
Tenancy Sustainment Service (SE SIMON)
Both H.A.T. and the Tenancy Sustainment Service address the issue of homelessness and its prevention. Temporary B&B can be made available in an emergency pending the sourcing of private rented accommodation. Currently work is being undertaken to establish inter-county protocols to allow homeless persons in South Tipperary access to regional hostels. The number of persons that have been provided with Tenancy Sustainment Services to date in South Tipperary is 39.
In 2013 a Directory of Adult Homeless Services in the South East Region was published. The Directory provides a comprehensive listing of all specialist homeless services, for adults, families and young people in the South East, as well as providing some information on relevant mainstream and general services, which provide support to people who are experiencing homelessness.
The Directory provides up to date information on the range of services available including details on access criteria, referral procedures, staffing and support services offered. It also provides other information on the rights and entitlement of people who are experiencing homelessness including income, maintenance, accommodation and other services.
The Directory is available at all Local Authority & HSE offices in the South East Region.
The Housing Miscellaneous (Provisions Act) 2009 provides a new statutory framework of structures to address Homelessness. A Regional Approach is now being taken to the preparation of Homeless Action Plans, in line with the Statutory Regional Authority Areas.
A dedicated Homeless Unit has been established by Tipperary County Council and the H.S.E. since 2003. This Unit is located at the H.S.E. Offices, Kenyon Street, Nenagh and is staffed by a Community Welfare Officer from the H.S.E. and a Resettlement Worker from North Tipperary County Council. An outreach support worker employed by Nenagh Community and Social Services is also accommodated at the Unit.
The main objective of the Homeless Unit is to provide assistance in dealing with all persons who present as Homeless. Homeless Clinics are held weekly in Nenagh, Thurles and Roscrea as follows:
Tuesday: Nenagh, Kenyon Street 10.30 a.m. - 11.00 .m.
Wednesday: Roscrea Health Centre 10.00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.
Wednesday: Thurles Health Centre 02.00 p.m. - 02.30 p.m.
The Housing Miscellaneous (Provisions Act) 2009 provides a new statutory framework of structures to address Homelessness.
