DUBLIN, Oct. 22, 2025 — Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD, has hailed the Supported Housing for Youth (SHY) initiative as a model for targeted intervention in youth homelessness. Speaking at an event in Dublin marking the programme’s first anniversary, Browne highlighted SHY’s impact in helping young people aged 18–24 transition from emergency accommodation to independent living.
A Targeted, Person-Centred Approach
SHY is a pilot programme under Ireland’s Youth Homelessness Strategy 2023–2025, designed to address the distinct needs of young adults experiencing homelessness. Participants receive wraparound supports including tenancy management, education access, and employment assistance. The initiative aims to foster long-term housing stability and reduce reliance on emergency shelters.
Minister Browne said:
“The testimony of young people supported through SHY underscores the importance of person-centred housing supports. This is why my Department has approved further capital funding for the next phase of the programme.”
Collaborative Delivery
The SHY pilot is a joint effort between the Department of Housing, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), Clúid Housing, and Focus Ireland. Clúid provides the housing units, while Focus Ireland delivers the support services.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, praised the initiative’s collaborative framework, noting its success in “building futures in great places to live.”
Niall Ó’Ceallacháin, COO of Clúid, said SHY allows the organisation to “step into the youth housing space in a real, practical way,” while Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan called the pilot “a powerful example of policy, partnership, and purpose.”
Personal Impact
Service user Kirsty shared her experience, describing her SHY accommodation as “comfortable and perfectly located,” and crediting the programme with helping her move from hostel living to near-permanent housing. “I wouldn’t change anything about SHY… I give it 5 stars,” she said.
Looking Ahead
An independent evaluation of SHY is underway and will conclude in mid-2026, informing potential national rollout. The pilot currently supports 25 young people in Dublin and is viewed as a cornerstone of Ireland’s broader youth homelessness strategy.
Summary: The SHY initiative has emerged as a promising model for addressing youth homelessness in Ireland, combining secure housing with tailored supports. As the programme enters its second year, stakeholders are optimistic about its expansion and long-term impact.
Youth Homelessness Picture by Sardaka
Sources: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Dublin Region Homeless Executive; Focus Ireland; Clúid Housing.
