letter from Dublin
The housing crisis in the Republic of Ireland is worsening. There are currently 15,378 people (including 4,653 children) living in emergency homeless accommodation, which is the highest number on record. There are also many people unaccounted for in the homeless figures including single men sleeping rough, who are often the last group prioritised for emergency accommodation. Christian charities and food banks are doing phenomenal work across the country, especially in the main cities.
For those in a position to buy a house, the number of homes available for sale is at a record low and the shortage of properties available to buy, and also to rent, means that those who are able to secure a property have high mortgage repayments or are paying large amounts in rent.
To secure available and affordable housing, families often have to move away from the main cities. In the Republic of Ireland though, the majority of evangelical churches are in the main cities. Families who have had to move due to housing are finding themselves a long distance from a Bible-teaching church, and may then have to travel long distances to church, which is particularly difficult with young children, and will naturally impact on their attendance at church events and involvement in the congregation.
Congregations are impacted as members move away, leading to a high turnover of people in the church as many can only attend for short periods before they have to move, impacting relationships and support structures provided by the church family. Those who have had to move may also have longer commutes to work and therefore less time to be involved in their church and community. The housing crisis is causing young couples to delay having children, and many young people are emigrating, with the UK and Australia the main destinations, meaning churches are experiencing young members leaving.
The Irish government has established a Housing Activation Office and we pray that everyone across the country will be able to find suitable housing near a Bible-teaching church where they can attend, be involved and grow in their faith.
