Traditionally the majority of homeless people were single and often living in urban areas, particularly in Dublin, however now the crisis has spread to all parts of the country with a rapid increase in the number of families becoming homeless.

Loss can come in a number of forms. People can experience loss through separation and divorce, as well as through the death of a loved one.

The rates of separation and divorce in Ireland are rising, with the most recent Central Statistics Office figures showing that there are over 87,704 separated or divorced persons living in households with children.