A charity in Derry has said that they've had 74 people present themselves as homeless already this year and they expect it to get worse.
Homelessness charity Depaul said that if a solution is not found then an upward trajectory of homelessness could see the city facing the same situation as Belfast - where increasing numbers of people are sleeping on the streets.
It comes as the charity said that 191 individuals in total were registered with Depaul's three services during 2021.
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They said that was more than double the amount presented the year before (2020) and it includes presenters from all across Northern Ireland, particularly from Belfast.
A spokesperson said: "This is only going to get worse with the deepening cost of living crisis. More and more service users are turning to us for help with their energy bills, accommodation needs, and help with food.
"All the basics that many of us take for granted. It is a well-known fact that homeless people experience poorer physical and mental health than the general population.
"Homeless people have a much higher risk of death from a range of causes than the general population. The stigma associated with homelessness as well as loneliness and social isolation can lead to mental health issues and often addiction."
They said the homelessness was being exacerbated by the 'lack of social housing and suitable accommodation' and called for Stormont to reconvene and alleviate the issue at an inter-departmental level.
"The problem is the lack of social housing and suitable accommodation currently on offer," the spokesperson added. "People are being placed in non-standard accommodation, which is basically a room in the like of a B&B, with very little support in place.
"Many of these people have a range of mental health and addiction issues and really need support. Also, in the rush to get individuals placed into accommodation we are seeing vulnerable people; victims of domestic violence, addictions, and people with many complex mental health needs placed in unsuitable accommodation with very little support in place.
"There is no doubt that Derry needs more appropriate accommodation to meet the needs of those who are homeless.
"There needs to be a coordinated approach to tackling this issue not only in the City of Derry but across Northern Ireland. This needs to be led by the Government."
They continued: "An inter-departmental approach is essential involving not only councils, and statutory and voluntary sector representatives but also the departments of health, justices and education.
"Homelessness is not just a housing issue, so we need a meeting of minds and budgets. We need more suitable and affordable housing not only in Derry City but across the province.
"The general public also needs to be educated around homelessness and the fact that it is not only a housing issue and is something that could happen to anyone at any time.
"We need to destigmatise homelessness, treat it as a public health issue and develop a coordinated approach in reaching a sustainable solution as well as putting in place preventative action.
"There is simply not enough investment into the voluntary sector who are providing valuable and essential support to the many of the most vulnerable in our society."
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