Should homeless individuals, that have refused available shelter or housing, be allowed to sleep or encamp on public property?

Yes, and create more social programs to provide free food, clothing, and medicine

If they refused available shelter due to reasons that aren't injustice,favourtism and authority abuse from the shelter then it is a consequence of their choice

Provide social programs to encourage them to get off the street. I would NOT punish poor people who refuse it. I do NOT side with the American style politics.

I don’t think it should be a criminal offence to be homeless on the street. It is up to the government to help these people. I fully agree with the way they do it in Finland. Housing First is the solution to homelessness in Ireland. I would align with the Social Democratic Party of Finland because they are sympathetic towards the people who are in poverty.

No, but shelter and housing must be improved upon so that they it is more favourable for all homeless individuals than encampment on public property.

We shouldn’t criminalise homeless people for sleeping in public spaces. More programmes and free amenities should be available for them

I agree with option 3. It makes total sense as there are many that desperately need it, but officials are discouraged because they always seem to be approaching ones not interested. I think if they don't take on those offers, it's a bad sign for the intent of those people. As such, these individuals if it comes up consistently should be detained in some way (not prison, that's overkill) but some sort of space with professional oversight, as they will probably be safer there than on the streets

Yes and create programs to understand why they refuse shelter and what can we do to reinsert them into the society

Yes because many of the homeless hostels are unsafe for non drug using people, it's not as simple as yes or no, for many people they feel unsafe & many hostels are not managed properly & use security sraff instead of properly trained social care & / community trained staff

Homeless people who don’t stay in shelters provided say that it is dangerous with drugs, theft and crime attacks etc so there should be a more thought out solution for homeless shelters

With the amount of money surplus there should be improved accommodation and facilities for homeless people with an out door shelter area that is safe for those who can no longer sleep inside for many reasons

Why are they not choosing to avail of shelter. The whole system for the homeless needs to be addressed. People will not stay where they don't feel safe

Create more ‘homeless safe havens’ areas to which there isn’t harsh, anti-homeless architecture. This has to be done in addition to increase housing opportunities for everyone

More shelters with better conditions need to be introduced and people should not be turned away from shelters especially in the winter.

I think there should be be more of a system they have for immigrants temporarily housing them giving them a chance to get a job and pay bills then

I don’t think they should be sleeping on public property if they have had an opportunity to sleep indoors where it’s safe. However, I think it’s very important to not sell dreams to people and promise individuals that there are available shelters housing when we can see that there isn’t. Enough with all the false hope put money in places where it benefits the people of this country.

A homeless person that has refused should be sheltered with care and therapy to ensure they are okay and is drug/alcohol free

Current options to homeless individuals need review as clearly they are not all appropriate and meeting peoples needs

They must be allowed to sleep where they feel safe and protected but eventually they must be put into housing when they feel comfortable and have support from the community ran shelters

Should they maybe be allowed to sleep in a safe area that is designated for them that is monitored for antisocial behaviour?

Bit of a social dilemma here, what are the reasons for refusal, mental health, addiction, poverty, unsuitable property?

Yes, sleeping on the street/public property should under no circumstances be made a criminal offence. However, I do think if someone refuses available shelter then a discussion must be had between that person and social services to better understand why. It is likely that they feel the shelter offered would put them in a more unsafe position than what they are already in. It should be understood that homelessness is not a “choice” or a moral failing and so refusing shelter is more reflective of the services provided than the homeless person themselves.

Yes, It is safe to say the shelters we provide for the most part are not adequate to protect and provide healthy living conditions. Any individual who has the decency to stop and have a chat with any person on the street would quickly realise the realities, that sometimes these shelters pose more of a risk for there safety than staying on the street does. We need to fund our community and health sectors, support rehabilitation and social services fully, and rebuild the housing sector.

No, but shelters should be made more safe and reliable so that there would be no reason for someone to say no to available shelter or housing

It shouldn’t be a crime to be homeless. The issue that would need to be addressed is why they are refusing help provided.

If it was a criminal offence they would be put off the street and made go somewhere that they can eat and properly sleep

There’s a reason why they are not in shelter they need cared for supported and brought back to society to thrive

Consideration has to be given for peoples mental health an their interpretation of safety and stability

No, but allocate a willing and voluntary member of society to take them in and house them while the government works on housing them and getting them a job and rehabilitation care.

Not in parks or recreational areas, where is may tarnish the aesthetic or function of a place, but there should be designated areas to allow those who wish to be homeless, be homeless without encroaching on the general public.

This one is very tricky. The shelters in Ireland are often full of drugs/antisocial behaviors so I could not blame a person/family for refusing to stay here. When it come to housing it’s not as simple as they are just refusing a house. If the house was fit for purpose, as in safe, again I believe individuals/families would only love a chance to take shelter somewhere but unfortunately this is not always the case. Then on the issue where some of the homeless are drink/drug users, there without a doubt needs to be more facilities and resources in place to help these people. No person sets…  Read more out with the intention to become a drink/drug addict, it is a very sad life & existence that they get lost in. Thankfully some find their way out but without adequate resources it’s a problem we will continue to see and to see rise as life in general in Ireland continues to decline. For the non nationals homeless I think this is heartbreaking, we are all humans but the government needs to address to the issue of poverty amongst its own people before it can appropriately help those fleeing from war. It is unfair to all involved that anything less has and is the case at present. So ultimately, yes, when there are no other suitable options but absolutely create more social programs to provide free food, clothing & medicine

They need to be able to sleep somewhere but regulations needed around refusing housing offerings to be introduced.

Yes, and focus on safety and minimising substance use e.g. women and children only shelters and zero tolerance for substance use / threat of violence/ violence

No, but there needs to be more social programs put in place to help those in homelessness such as free food, clothing, medicine etc

Yes, and both improve on and create more social programs to provide free food, clothing and medicine

It should be by evaluation. Why are they refusing, the reasons need to be evaluated. Are thet in more danger in public housing? What is causing them to refuse in the first instance.

depends if the homeless individual is creating any threats or is trying to improve on their situation not just begging for money off random people because it is the easiest way to earn money

It's a complex issue, if people refuse accommodation because it would affect their social welfare or they're worried about safety in these places that needs to be addressed

If in the case if offered a place to have shelter they decline, then they should not be allowed as there was the option to have appropriate shelter.

i would say yes, and be all for more social programs, free food etc. only i do think its very circumstantial. camping in less busy areas could be an exception in my opinion, if they were to refuse a shelter for good reason.

No, the system should better prioritise who needs the housing first so people do not feel obliged to decline so that those more vulnerable can avail of the accommodation instead.

It depends on the location they’re staying if they’re somewhere where it’s empty or barely anyone walks past or dives by it should be fine but public areas that are busy and parks and even around educational facilities is a No

It depends on their mental state / substances they may be on as this may affect the way they are thinking and may be the reason for them refusing available shelter

No as they have refused refused shelter that has been offered, Their should be a shelter camp created on the outskirts of cities so it’s not in the view of the public

If the house or shelter doesn't suit for a genuine reason and if they are irish or vetted immigrants othen yes

the homeless people aren’t the problem. don’t treat them like they are criminals and maybe try and house them.

If they have refused shelter spaces then yes as they can be dangerous and bad for recovery but if refused social housing then no

Yes as women and older people are in more danger in hostels etc. And may have had some kind of trauma.

If they've refused there is probably a reason to it, as long as they are not disturbing or causing hassle, leave them be?

Absolutely! And why not already ? They have nothing not even dignity they’re on the streets ? Leave them be, atleast most of them might survive more in the cold weather especially with a tent

yes, as well as creating more social programs to provide free food, clothing and medicine but make sure they’re safe wherever they are camping

No, while it's important to consider the needs of homeless individuals, allowing them to sleep or encamp on public property can raise concerns about public health and safety

No but increase number of shelters, ensure safety of individuals who use shelters through security/police.

Yes many of the homeless shelters in ireland are dangerous and riddles with drugs Homeless shelters should be funded more and more alternatibes need to be sought

They’re should be more shelters in the first place to help the homeless. It’s hard walking past the homeless but it also creates an unkept environment so they should be able to spend the night in a shelter available for them not on the streets.

No they shouldn't but the government and agencies should be working to provide better services for Irish homeless people

Yes - and we should be offering benches which convert to beds at night with heating like other countries for those who need it

It depends on their circumstances, and they may not feel comfortable or safe in shelter provided and feel sleeping in public is the safest option.

no and make it a criminal offense, unless the person can prove that the housing offered was unsafe/neglected. They then should be assisted on looking for a job and within a certain amount of time and if they don’t removed from the housing, if they do get a job then pay subsidised price on rent for 3 years then they have to get they’re own. so the housing can be used for others.

allow for safe, gated and regularly policed places where encampments can be set up by those who are unable or refuse assisted housing for any reason

If offered housing then no but funding should be put in for the shelters as many people are affraid of them

The government need to invest in more social housing, and mandatory support to those who are chronically homeless ie with complex needs.

At a high level, Yes, because the reason for refusal may not be clear, or valid - e.g. they may fear bullying or victimisation in the only available accommodation.

Yeah, I think it's a tough situation. While it's important to consider the needs of homeless individuals, allowing them to sleep or encamp on public property can raise concerns about public health and safety. It's a complex issue that requires a balance between compassion for the homeless and maintaining the well-being of the community.

Very devicive question which doesn’t have a simple but homeless people need to be supported not criminalised

No but exceptions should be made where the shelter offered was not acceptable e.g. the person felt unsafe

Not residential houses but unused buildings and derelict properties. Maybe allow up until a certain time?

Homeless individuals might refuse available shelter or housing that is not in good conditions or for personal reasons such as living in an area that doesn't make them comfortable or safe. They can sleep or encamp on some public property as long as these areas are large, far from very busy areas and they keep them clean and organised.

If there is no other option, yes, but the government should pursue a policy where no one has to sleep rough and people without homes are offered shelter, physical and mental health care, and a viable path to a healthy and sustainable life

Very tricky question with no clear solution (why would they reject accommodation- is it because they felt unsafe?)

Yes, but not if it is negatively impacting the public citizens. (Violent behavior, public indecency etc.)

Sleep, yes. As for encampments, they should not, upon discovery, be dismantled, but upon a notice given to encampment's resident(s) that gives a reasonable amount of time to move location.

Yes, but only if the available shelter is sub-standard

There should be regulations if a homeless person has rejected shelters they can stay on the streets for a certain amount of days but then put into a shelter to avoid diseases as hypothermia

I think it depends on what public area it is that they are sleeping at. Many homeless shelters are overrun with drugs, mental illness etc and some homeless people don’t want to be around that

There should be better drug facilities to help people and somewhere everyone can sleep that is safe.

I don’t think homeless people are listened to by government. They have no choice but to sleep on the streets. The government has lobbied to private investors and has abandoned the public good.

I don't think it should be a criminal offence but they shouldn't be in the middle of public spaces either, i think a campsite/ area should be dedicated for these people to set up camp, or should be allowed sleeping pods

homeless should not be allowed to encamp on public property, however they should be provided with options on where to stay, with free food, clothing and medicine.

Depending on the scenario of refusal. Not in a case where they are or feel unsafe where they were offered

Yes but only in certain area not near schools or vulnerable people and they must take away their rubbish and belongs during the day

It would depend if the public property was in use and there is many factors to consider but some certainly yes should be allowed

Depending on the situation, in most cases, no, they should not be allowed sleep on public property. However, if the accommodation offered was refused based on fair reasons (child in local school etc.) then yes.

we need to understand why they have refused some don't feel safe in hostels and a lot of addiction and mental health problems

if the person that has refused available shelter or housing hinders on their safety, they should have the right to refuse and feel safe where they reside.

Sometimes they regard it safer to sleep outdoors than in shelters. What does that tell us. They are vulnerable, therefore not punished but cared for.

A large proportion of those that sleep rough have been the victims of abuse, struggle with addiction and have mental health problems. Many of the homeless shelters are filled with drug issues, are not fit for purpose and I’d contend that may of these shelters are somewhere where if someone who has none of the former issues would want to stay even for one night.

This is too vague. Why did they refuse the housing? Was it dangerous? Etc. That matters when answering this question.

I believe an active attempt for care, housing and work and the skills required for said work should be done.

They need to be offered mental health support as many people are homeless because of mental health or narcotics issues.

They should not be homeless. They should be given own-door accommodation, even it it's a caravan or modular home.