Homeless charity Focus Ireland says there has been an 18% increase in the numbers of people seeking help this year.
It said the Government needs to focus on preventing homelessness as more people become at risk due to the recession.
Focus Ireland Chief Executive Joyce Loughnan said the organisation is targeting its services on homeless prevention.
It has pointed to Scotland where the numbers becoming homeless has dropped by 19% because of a prevention strategy.
This involves intensive support to help stabilise households in trouble with landlords, struggling with debt or with anti-social behaviour.
Focus Ireland said that one in seven people who are homeless are under-18 and that it would be disastrous if funds are cut in the Budget.
