Professor Luke O'Neill is calling on people to join Depaul's Sleepout to raise money for much needed homelessness services.
The event is happening on Friday 20 May with people and companies urged to swap their beds for sleeping bags that night.
Professor O'Neill said that the number of people experiencing homelessness has significantly risen over the last year.
Read more: Man believed to be homeless found dead in tent across road from Health Department
At the end of March, more than 9,800 people were experiencing homelessness including 2,811 children.
1,238 families were living in emergency accommodation.
He said: "Sadly, the number of homeless people in Ireland has risen significantly by 23% since last year. Even more children, young adults, families and single adults are now without a place to call home.
"The funds raised through Depaul’s Sleep Out this year will help the growing number of people whose lives are devastated by homelessness.
"Each year, Depaul support thousands of homeless people and helps hundreds to move into their own home, changing lives forever."
Depaul’s Director of Services & Development, Dermot Murphy said that people simply sleeping out in their back garden can make a big difference.
He said: "As a society we must do everything in our power to ensure every man, woman and child in Ireland has a place to call home.
"There is currently a very large cohort of adults and children in homelessness in Ireland who we really need to focus on to help and to give them the best opportunities.”
“We know from our work that the impact of homelessness can be detrimental to their health and well-being. Support for Depaul’s Sleep Out will provide a lifeline for adults and children who are homeless in Ireland today.”
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