A 70-year-old woman who wishes to remain anonymous living in Dublin City has shared her newly discovered heart condition, which she believes is caused by the stress of facing homelessness. The woman is a renter with several health problems, and she is solely reliant on the State pension as a private renter, making her housing search all the more difficult. She believes her age is a factor that discourages potential landlords, despite her assurances that she and her partner “are quiet and cause no problems”.
The woman was due to vacate her home on May 1 after receiving a notice of termination prior to the eviction ban, which was lifted on March 31. She and her partner are still in the property as they have not been able to find alternative accommodation, despite trying everything. This has caused her a great deal of stress, which is having a direct impact on her health. Pre-op tests carried out in recent weeks revealed a newly discovered heart condition that she attributes to the pressure of her living situation.
As a renter with several health problems, the woman is in a particularly vulnerable position. She has been engaging with her local authority and receiving support from organizations like Alone and St Vincent De Paul, which provided her with a voucher to purchase a walker. However, the uncertainty of her living situation has caused her to postpone major surgery, citing the need for stability in her housing situation.
The woman shared her frustration at the number of properties that are lying idle and at the number of people who have no place to sleep, including those who are setting places on fire. She cannot understand why there are so many vacancies, despite her struggle to find a new home.
The woman’s story is just one of many that highlight the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland. The Pandemic has only exacerbated the problem, with many families struggling to pay rent or mortgage payments while also dealing with job losses and other financial challenges.
According to a report released earlier this year, Dublin has the second-highest rent in Europe, with average rent prices in the city center exceeding €2,000 per month. The report also notes that since 2016, rents in Dublin have risen by more than 40%, making it increasingly difficult for renters to find affordable accommodation.
The situation is even worse for those who are elderly or have health problems, as they are often discriminated against in the housing market due to perceived risk factors. They may also be more vulnerable to the stress of uncertainty and may experience health problems as a result.
The government has been criticized for its slow response to the housing crisis, with many calling for more affordable housing options and better support for renters and those facing homelessness. While some measures have been taken, such as the eviction ban during the pandemic, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the housing crisis and provide meaningful support for those in need.
In the meantime, individuals like the 70-year-old woman in Dublin will continue to struggle with the stress of uncertainty and the potential health consequences of their living situation. As a society, we must recognize the urgency of the situation and work towards real solutions that address the needs of those most vulnerable.
