A place to call home

People face significant barriers when moving out of Direct Provision. These include a lack of financial resources, knowledge of the Irish rental market, an inability to provide acceptable references, language barriers, discrimination and racism. This already precarious situation is exacerbated by the accommodation crisis in Ireland, where waiting lists for social housing are long and rental costs exceed amounts provided in rent supplements. These issues are explored in detail in ‘Transition from Direct Provision to life in the community’. 

A Place to Call Home 

The Irish Refugee Council’s Housing Programme assists people in overcoming these barriers by providing direct housing support and accommodation. Seventeen properties, donated to our programme by religious congregations, civil societies and members of the public, are sub-leased to individuals and families, providing them with a secure and affordable tenancy for a guaranteed period of time. During this time, the individual or family members receive further integration supports from the IRC including English language training, education and employment, which assist with deeper integration. After this period of assistance and stability outside of the Direct Provision system, people are more empowered and better positioned to move independently into the private rental market.  

Our Housing Programme is generously supported by the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough with properties donated by several congregations, as well as members of the public. St. Stephens Green Trust has also provided support to establish a governance framework for the project.

Our Impact in 2022

• 9 new properties added to the programme, bringing the total to 20.   
• 5 new properties filled this year, bringing the total number of filled properties to 15.   
• 37 new tenants moved into vacant properties.  
• 80 people accommodated in the overall programme. 

Download 2022 Impact Report

Since we started our housing programme in 2018: 

• 81 people directly accommodated in donated properties

• 81 people directly accommodated in donated properties

• 41 children now have homes

• 53 people assisted in moving out of Direct Provision into rental accommodation

• 8 people assisted to move into permanent accommodation

• 8 families reunited and are now living together

• 4 babies born in the programme 

• 21 people assisted in employment

• 22 people assisted in further education

• Over 1000 people given support to access housing through our Drop-in services 

Nonty and Princess pick up the keys to their new house through our housing programme

“This home is a new birth for me. I have still not come to terms with it. It is huge. Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream especially when I close my door, cook, host a friend, or when I make a phone call and no one asks me to lower my voice. In the beginning, it was hard for me to feel that it is my place and I’m free to do whatever I want to do, but gradually I started enjoying my privacy and I can express my true happiness and appreciation for what I have now, I’m free and over the moon.”

- Abdelshafa 

Email Housing Team