Bloodstained sheets, bullying and assaults among formal complaints about homeless centres

A total of 68 formal complaints have been logged this year in the Dublin region, including problems with a lack of social distancing, residents being locked out of their own rooms, and one person who claimed they were not let leave to attend a work appointment.

There was an average of around six complaints flagged each month, according to records released by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE).

In one case in May, a resident at one homeless provider said they could no longer stay there with bed linen “covered in blood” and a dirty wash area.

The following month, another homeless person said her mattress was stained and that she was being bullied by other residents.

Three residents complained of freezing conditions in January, with one saying the windows of his apartment would not close and there was evidence of damp.

In one case, a client said they had been blocked from leaving their accommodation for work training.

There were two complaints that month about overcrowding and the inability to safely socially distance at a time when Covid-19 infection rates remained high.

At least 10 complaints were made about bullying, harassment, threats, and in some cases, assault, according to the log, which was released under FOI.

Other families complained about being provided with just a single room for them and their family.

Of the 68 complaints this year listed by the DRHE, 61 of the cases were closed, five remained open, while the status of two others was not provided in the records.