Older Adult Homelessness in Ireland: Insights, Evidence & Solutions

Simon Communities of Ireland and Galway Simon are joined by President Catherine Connolly to launch a new report on older adult homelessness.

Ireland is witnessing a growing number of older adults experiencing homelessness, an emerging and deeply concerning trend that exposes gaps in policy, service provision, and long-term planning. Urgent, coordinated action is needed to ensure older people can age with dignity, security, and support.

Join Simon Communities of Ireland and Galway Simon Community for the launch of a landmark new report on older adult homelessness, officially launched by President Catherine Connolly. Building on contributions from people with lived experience, frontline service providers, and researchers who took part in the Galway Simon event during SCI's Simon Week, Retiring into Homelessness, this report reveals the complex structural and life-course factors that shape homelessness in later life. It also illustrates the profound impacts on older people’s health, wellbeing, material security, and social connections.

The report puts forward six clear policy recommendations, each supported by practical, actionable steps to strengthen prevention, enhance supports, and create effective pathways out of homelessness. These recommendations are designed to inform national strategies on ageing, housing, and health, and to guide Government, NGOs, and community organisations in addressing this urgent and growing need.

As Ireland’s population ages, the window for preventative action is narrowing. International experience shows how rapidly older adult homelessness can escalate, but with leadership, investment, and evidence-based planning, Ireland can prevent this issue from becoming an entrenched crisis.

Speakers:

• President Catherine Connolly
• People with Lived Experience
• Ber Grogan, Executive Director, Simon Communities of Ireland
• Carol Baumann, CEO, Galway Simon Community
• Dr Brídín Caroll, Report Author

Join SCI and Galway Simon as we explore the realities of older adult homelessness and the practical, compassionate solutions needed now.