Write a commentA severe lack of one bedroom accommodation in Newry is prompting a lot of people to declare themselves as homeless according to Newry City Councillor Kevin McAteer.
Speaking on the issue the Independent Councillor added “People need to get this idea out of their heads that homelessness is just about someone sleeping on the street. Another aspect of homelessness is the act of sofa surfing which is the practice of staying temporarily with various friends and relatives while attempting to find permanent accommodation.
The lack of one bedroom accommodation facilitates this, meaning that those who declare themselves as homeless are not being housed either in one bedroom or emergency accommodation due to the lack of facilities available. If we do not find a solution by way of developing more one bedroom housing then this issue will most certainly get worse.”
