Just over 24,000 people in Ireland sought help from The Simon Community in 2020, which was up 33% on the previous year.
According to figures released in its annual report the number of people in emergency accommodation fell.
6 thousand 174 people were supported by Simon’s Rough Sleeping and Outreach teams.
Head of Policy of the organisation Wayne Stanley said a lack of supply of affordable housing is pushing people into homelessness.
"The push factors into homelessness are unaffordable housing and a lack of supply of housing.
"And those two combined, a lack of supply fo affordable housing, is really what's driving the homelessness crisis.
"That will push people into homelessness, and also removes opportunities for people to move out of homelessness.
"If you put those two things together you see homelessness increasing."
Homeless charities in Cork are anticipating another hectic Christmas season as thousands rely on their services to see them through to the new year.
Countless donations of food, toys, and vouchers are currently being sorted through by volunteers as annual donation campaigns are being rolled out.
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has seen a huge increase in the amount of people availing of financial support, with one charity telling the Irish Examiner that this year’s demand has been “unprecedented”.
Cork Penny Dinners provided over 10,000 dinners and food hampers to those in need last Christmas, and are anticipating a similar figure again this year.
