News
November 24, 2025
Alice Leahy on 50 years helping the homeless: ‘State has nicely offloaded responsibility’
Veteran campaigner emphasises the lack of compassion in how people bereft of a home are treated
**Alice Leahy on 50 years helping the homeless: ‘State has nicely offloaded responsibility’**
Alice Leahy, a tireless advocate for the homeless for half a century, has voiced strong concerns about the current state of homelessness in Ireland, arguing that the government has effectively abdicated its responsibility to care for the most vulnerable. Speaking on the occasion of her 50th year dedicated to assisting those without a home, Leahy emphasized a disturbing lack of compassion in the way individuals experiencing homelessness are treated by the system.
Leahy's decades of experience have given her a unique and invaluable perspective on the evolving challenges faced by the homeless population. She has witnessed firsthand the struggles, the hardships, and the often dehumanizing conditions endured by those living on the streets or in inadequate temporary accommodation. Her criticism highlights a belief that the state, instead of providing comprehensive and compassionate support, has instead shifted the burden onto charities and voluntary organizations, leaving many individuals to fall through the cracks.
She argues that the issue extends beyond just providing shelter. Leahy points to a systemic failure to address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health issues, addiction, and a chronic shortage of affordable housing. Without tackling these underlying problems, she contends, simply providing temporary solutions is akin to applying a band-aid to a deep wound.
Leahy's remarks serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of homelessness. She passionately believes that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Her advocacy underscores the urgent need for a more compassionate and proactive approach from the government, one that prioritizes prevention, long-term support, and a genuine commitment to ending homelessness in Ireland. The veteran campaigner's words carry the weight of 50 years of unwavering dedication, demanding a re-evaluation of current policies and a renewed focus on the fundamental human rights of those most in need. Her voice remains a powerful force in the fight for a more just and equitable society.
Alice Leahy, a tireless advocate for the homeless for half a century, has voiced strong concerns about the current state of homelessness in Ireland, arguing that the government has effectively abdicated its responsibility to care for the most vulnerable. Speaking on the occasion of her 50th year dedicated to assisting those without a home, Leahy emphasized a disturbing lack of compassion in the way individuals experiencing homelessness are treated by the system.
Leahy's decades of experience have given her a unique and invaluable perspective on the evolving challenges faced by the homeless population. She has witnessed firsthand the struggles, the hardships, and the often dehumanizing conditions endured by those living on the streets or in inadequate temporary accommodation. Her criticism highlights a belief that the state, instead of providing comprehensive and compassionate support, has instead shifted the burden onto charities and voluntary organizations, leaving many individuals to fall through the cracks.
She argues that the issue extends beyond just providing shelter. Leahy points to a systemic failure to address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health issues, addiction, and a chronic shortage of affordable housing. Without tackling these underlying problems, she contends, simply providing temporary solutions is akin to applying a band-aid to a deep wound.
Leahy's remarks serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of homelessness. She passionately believes that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Her advocacy underscores the urgent need for a more compassionate and proactive approach from the government, one that prioritizes prevention, long-term support, and a genuine commitment to ending homelessness in Ireland. The veteran campaigner's words carry the weight of 50 years of unwavering dedication, demanding a re-evaluation of current policies and a renewed focus on the fundamental human rights of those most in need. Her voice remains a powerful force in the fight for a more just and equitable society.
Category:
Politics