Women living in tent found dead on Pearse Street, Dublin
Sarah Slater
A woman who was sleeping rough in Dublin City centre was found dead in a tent on Friday afternoon.
The woman was named locally as Natasha Smith and was originally from Clondalkin. She was found on Pearse Street at around 12.30pm on Friday.
Ms Smith was in her late 30s with two sons, and had been using a tent to sleep and live out of.
She was known to homeless organisations.
In a statement, gardaí said that they assisted other emergency services at the scene of a “medical incident” on Pearse Street in Dublin 2.
It is understood that Ms Smith’s body was brought to St James’s Hospital. She was subsequently pronounced dead.
A post mortem examination is due to be held to ascertain the exact cause of death.
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive said it had been "made aware of the death of a woman who was sleeping rough in the city. We extend our deepest sympathies to her partner, her family and her friends.
"We would also like to acknowledge Dublin Simon's Outreach team, who worked closely with the deceased over an extended time," a statement added.
Keira Gill, the founder of homeless organisation A Lending Hand, a Dublin-based volunteer outreach group which has been operating for more than a decade, described Ms Smith as “always being as happy as she could, being so polite and very grateful” for any help they gave her.
Ms Gill continued: “Our condolences to all her family, friends and homeless family. We knew her well, and she came to us. We were very fond of her and are heartbroken to hear she has passed away. Her pals on the streets are devastated."
She added that the government needs to “seriously look at the reasons why a vulnerable homeless woman felt safer in a tent than the accommodation on offer and why we can't provide people with single room beds".
“Putting groups of grown women in a room together is never going to work without the right onsite supports. This causes so many problems that women like Natasha feel safer in a tent. They are literally risking their lives to feel safe.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by family and friends to help with the funeral costs.
The organiser said that Ms Smith “passed away suddenly”, leaving the family “lost".
"Every little help will go a long way (to) helping her Mam get everything paid for and sorted out".
A lifelong friend said online that she was “blessed” to say a final goodbye to her. “Thanks for [your] friendship, your loyalty and trust. I’ll never forget you.”
The HSE was contacted for comment.
The most recent figures for the number of homeless people in the State have reached almost 17,000 people, including 5,321 children.
Ms Smith’s funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
