Waterford City and County Council's 'Cold Shelter' for people sleeping rough has not been opened this year.
That's according to a council spokesperson who told WLR News it's due to 'the successful implementation of the National Housing First Programme'.
In their statement issued to WLR, Waterford Council said there's been a 'substantial reduction in rough sleepers in Waterford over the past 2 years' and the 'Cold Weather Initiative' wasn’t required.
The statement read, "The reduced numbers of rough sleepers in Waterford were managed within existing Out of Hours services.
"We continue to advise and offer support to rough sleepers from other counties to present to their respective Local Authorities to avail of homeless services there.
"30 Housing First tenancies are currently in place and the programme is being expanded in 2022.
"We are aware of a group of Eastern European people begging in Waterford at present, with whom our Outreach team have been in contact, and can confirm that these people are not seeking homeless services."
"Homeless Services outreach team is in constant contact with all rough sleepers to advise them of the out of hours and severe weather protocols and to provide support to those who are willing to accept support.
"We continue to advise and offer support to rough sleepers from other counties to present to their respective Local Authorities to avail of homeless services there."
Homeless Services in Waterford in operation
Tintean is a service based in Waterford that provides emergency accommodation for women and families living in the South-East.
Claire O’Sullivan, Manager of Tintean Housing Association said they aim to help people who fall on hard times, be it through addiction or trauma.
"Unfortunately people do suffer with different traumas and different experiences and fall on really hard times.
"With the increase in rents, so many people are literally a paycheck away from actually finding themselves on the streets," Claire said.
"We have Outreach Services on the streets in Waterford, so are very aware of the people who are visible to the community
"We are very aware of each and every one of those and anyone who wants to avail of the service - there is a service in place for them," she said.
Where to go?
According to the latest figures released from Waterford Council, 75 people presented to homeless from Oct 1st to 31st of this year.
Over the same period, 60 single people, 31 children and 12 families availed of emergency accommodation.
Sinn Féin Cllr Joeanne Bailey has this advice for anyone who may be in need of somewhere to live.
"If you see anyone sleeping rough in Waterford - please inform the homeless services team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services on 0818 10 20 20
"Out of hours, arrangements can be made for McGuire Men's Hotel and Oasis House in Waterford and they can help you get sorted over Christmas if you present as homeless, Cllr Bailey said.
Details of Out of Hours Service and Severe Weather Protocol are on the Waterford City and County Council’s website.
New Housing First plan
Separately, the new ‘Housing First’ National Implementation Plan 2022-2026 has been launched today
Under the government’s plan, 1,319 supported tenancies will be delivered over the next five years - 36 of these will be in Waterford.
The plan will involve providing mental health, physical health and addiction supports for service users.
Public health minister Frank Feighan says the approach will let users get services in their own homes, rather than relying on waiting lists.
