62-year-old woman homeless after eviction moves into Dublin family hub

Rose, a 62‑year‑old woman who asked that her real name not be used, became homeless last week after being evicted from her north Dublin home of 30 years.

The eviction followed missed mortgage repayments linked to a relationship breakdown and an inability to work after an incident at her former place of employment. Rose and her daughter are now staying in a family hub in Dublin, where she described feeling “in shock” on arrival.

She said the experience of seeing other families drive away from a nearby McDonald’s made the reality of her situation clear, adding that she felt “worthless” but is grateful for the support she has received.

Rose is relieved to have a private bedroom with a shower and fridge, and praised the hub staff as “kind and lovely”. She also noted the challenges of adjusting to a new part of the city, finding communal dining “scary” and learning to use the kitchen without her reading glasses.

Housing agencies warn that homelessness among older people is set to rise, with almost 17,000 over‑65s renting privately in 2022 – an 83 % increase since 2016. The Government is expected to publish an action plan for older‑people housing and a homeless‑prevention framework in the coming months.

Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Mark Dalton / Pexels.