Supported Housing for Youth marks its first anniversary

The Supported Housing for Youth (SHY) initiative under Ireland’s Youth Homelessness Strategy 2023–2025 is marking its first anniversary with a huge success!

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD has this week marked the success of the SHY initiative. This critical pilot, aimed at supporting young adults aged 18 to 24 out of homelessness, proves that targeted, person-centred supports are the key to building stable, independent futures.

Niall Ó’Ceallacháin, Chief Operating Officer at Clúid, states: “Through the SHY project, Clúid has been able to step into the youth housing space in a real, practical way. Partnering with Focus Ireland, we’re ensuring young people have not just a roof over their heads, but a foundation to build on. It’s clear from the young people’s feedback that SHY is doing more than providing housing. It’s instilling confidence and opportunity. Together with the Department, the local authorities and our partners at Focus, we’re building more than homes. We’re building futures in great places to live.”

Minister Browne commented: “I was deeply taken by the testimony of young people currently supported through the SHY initiative, and the profound impact it has had on their lives. Their experience underscores the importance of targeted, person-centred housing supports.

“Addressing homelessness remains a major priority for me and Government, and the Youth Homelessness Strategy is one part of our wider response. We recognise that young adults are a distinct cohort of individuals who require their own distinct housing solutions.

“This is why, my Department has recently approved further capital funding for the roll-out of the next phase of the programme to support more young people like those we heard from today.”

During the event which marked the first anniversary of the SHY programme, two service users shared personal accounts of the difference this initiative has made in their lives, emphasising its value in helping vulnerable young people build stable, independent futures.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam said: “The supported Housing for Youth has been a successful initiative and I would like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts that have shaped this pilot; thanks to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage , the four Dublin Local Authorities and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, to Clúid for providing the housing units and to Focus Ireland for providing the supports.”

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through the SHY pilot. This initiative shows what’s possible when policy, partnership, and purpose come together. The Department’s leadership through the Youth Homelessness Strategy has been vital in making SHY a reality. As the Strategy concludes, we look forward to the results of the evaluation and hope to continue working closely with the Department to ensure SHY is mainstreamed as a key national response to youth homelessness.”

Kirsty, SHY service user, tells us: “My life before SHY was okay, but I didn’t get much success with housing and I was living in a hostel. My life after SHY is going great, I am about to be housed soon permanently and I also have temporary accommodation for now while I’m waiting to get that new permanent apartment.”

Find out more at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/minister-browne-marks-success-of-supported-housing-for-youth-shy-initiative-supporting-young-adults-out-of-homelessness/