Our work to help individuals living in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation began in March 2017. This work was initially delivered in partnership with the Jesuit Refugee Service.

This pilot programme saw Peter McVerry Trust use our expertise to support those living in IPAS accommodation in Clondalkin Towers and Knockalisheen, Limerick to secure private rented accommodation. The pilot was highly successful in resettling (housing) over 140 people. As a result of the success of our work, a national scheme was implemented by, as well as funded through the Department of Justice in 2019.

Since then, Peter McVerry Trust’s Resettlement Housing Support programme has been providing housing progression supports in IPAS accommodation centres across much of the southern half of Ireland. We currently provide supports in 86 IPAS centres. These supports are provided in the following counties: Clare, Cork, Kerry, Laois, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Longford, Waterford, Wexford and Westmeath. We are currently working with 850 households in these counties.

Peter McVerry Trust resettlement officers hold weekly clinics in IPAS accommodation centres. We work with people residing in IPAS accommodation centres to support them to source, and progress into their own homes. The people supported are a combination of single adults, couples and families.

Our Resettlement team supports households, primarily to source private rented accommodation. The team aims to support people with status to apply for HAP through their relevant Local Authority, engage with landlords, source suitable properties online, provide support to viewings and assist with the completion of necessary paperwork in order for them to progress seamlessly into private rented accommodation.