Focus Ireland has launched its Christmas appeal to raise funds for and highlight the plight of the country's homeless population.
The charity says there are a record number of over 8,300 new homeless people, with more than 3,000 of them children.
Despite an €18m increase in funding for homeless services in Budget 2018, Focus Ireland say the numbers do not add up.
The charity has helped nearly 300 families out of homelessness this year, supporting 290 families and 556 children to secure a home and escape homelessness so far in 2017.
However they say for every family helped, up to three more become homeless the same day.
The appeal will see TV, radio, and outdoor ads running from today, all the way up to Christmas.
Funds raised will go directly to homeless families, as well as those in immediate danger of losing their homes.
The appeal was launched by Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, who serves as the charity's life president.
"We work hard to support families and individuals every day and not just at Christmas but we depend on donations now more than ever to raise funds so our services can cope with the constantly rising demand," she said.
Speaking on the impact being homeless has on children, Sr Stan said: "It breaks my heart to know that some of these children have been born into homelessness.
"Some of them will spend their first Christmas stuck with their family forced to live in one little room together."
Although the organisation receives significant funding from the State, it has to raise 40% - €2 out of every €5 - of what it spends.
With a record number of 8,374 new homeless people, that spend is subsequently rising.
