Life after Care: Perspectives on CAS for Care Leavers Model of Care provided by Peter McVerry Trust (July 2024)
Over the past decade, youth homelessness has significantly increased, drawing global attention and the need for action. Young people without stable housing face numerous challenges, including limited access to support, unemployment, and disrupted education. Transitioning from State care to independent living is particularly difficult, putting many at risk of homelessness. The Irish Government expanded the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) to help those leaving State care. This initiative is supported by Peter McVerry Trust.
This study examined the experiences of youth living in CAS-funded housing and the support they receive. Focusing on the CAS for Care Leavers model by PMVT, the study aimed to understand the challenges and successes in providing long-term support and maintaining tenancies.
This study highlights the importance of targeted support for young people transitioning from State care to independent living, showcasing PMVT’s role in addressing youth homelessness.
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An evaluation of Peter McVerry Trust and their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic for people experiencing homelessness (Nov 2023)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people experiencing homelessness (PEH) faced heightened vulnerability due to adverse living conditions and pre-existing health issues. This report, conducted by Peter McVerry Trust (PMVT) and the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, investigates the response to COVID-19 for those who are experiencing homelessness and who drug use. This study aims to identify lessons to inform future recommendations and improve healthcare provision to these marginalised groups.
This study sheds light on the nuanced impact of COVID-19 on homeless and drug-using populations. The recommendations offer valuable insights for shaping responsive and sustainable healthcare strategies for marginalised populations in future public health crises and beyond.
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A Report on Peer Support Specialists: Identification and Stakeholder Engagement within Housing First (Jan 2023)
Within Housing First (HF), Peer Support Specialists (PSS) are employees whose job descriptions recognise their lived personal experiences as beneficial in understanding and motivating clients. As a HF provider in Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust undertook a comprehensive investigation into service users’ and existing staff’s experiences with PSS.
This report aimed to provide insight into PSS programme delivery and outcomes within HF in regions managed by PMVT in Ireland. All HF participants agreed that their PSS helps them establish and achieve goals. The study highlights that peer-led ongoing support programmes could play a crucial role in transforming the homeless sector and ensuring the highest quality of person-centred care. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of Housing First Peer Support Specialists toolkits, as well as for policymakers seeking to address homelessness and housing exclusion in Europe and beyond.
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Peter McVerry Trust and DCU: Educational Gaps and Future Solutions (Nov 2019)
A major new research report, by DCU’s Educational Disadvantage Centre and Peter McVerry Trust, on young homeless men’s experiences of the education system has found a widespread need for reforms and additional supports for vulnerable young people in the education system. The report, Educational Gaps and Future Solutions, sets out seven key recommendations to improve young people’s educational experiences and reduce the risks of homelessness in the future.
This participating demographic of young men aged 18-35 constitutes the single largest cohort of homelessness in Ireland, in addition to being the main group accessing Peter McVerry Trust’s homeless services in Dublin.
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Rural Homelessness Report (Sept 2019)
In September 2019 we published a report examining the factors impacting on rural homelessness in Ireland. The report sets out five key actions to help tackle rural homelessness as the charity reports that the number of homeless adults in rural counties rose to over 1,000 for the first time in May 2019.
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