A specialist housing association has helped nearly 700 people with severe mental health issues stay in their homes last year, but warns that progress could stall without government support.
The Housing Association for Integrated Living (Hail) works across Ireland, focusing on individuals with mental health conditions who are on social housing lists. Vincent Walsh, a housing officer with Hail, explains that a significant part of their work involves supporting tenants during mental health crises.
“Even when tenants become unwell, we have great success in sustaining those tenancies,” Walsh said. This support can range from advice on managing bills to dealing with antisocial behaviour related to illness.
Hail currently manages 25 tenancies in Limerick, offering a mix of family homes, shared houses, and single-occupancy units. The association aims to integrate tenants into the community by dispersing these properties throughout the area.
One of Hail’s initiatives, the National Mental Health Transfer Project, involves renovating accommodation from the HSE or local authorities for independent living. The association also houses some general needs tenants through the Tenant In Situ scheme.
Martina Smith, Hail’s CEO, revealed that the association supported 694 people across 16 local authority areas last year. Hail currently provides 474 homes across several counties, with 71% dedicated to individuals with significant mental health difficulties.
according to Irish Examiner, Smith emphasized the cost-effectiveness of their service: “The work we do helps people who would often be at risk of homelessness or hospitalisation to maintain their tenancy and live independently in their home and community.”
However, Smith warned that additional government funding is crucial to sustain and expand their services. She called for at least 10% of Part V properties to be allocated for people with mental health difficulties and stressed the need for adequate funding structures for tenancy sustainment services.
As mental health issues continue to be a pressing concern in Ireland, Hail’s work highlights the importance of specialized housing support in preventing homelessness and promoting independent living for vulnerable individuals.