The Community Foundation for Ireland has recently supported several organisations helping those experiencing homelessness. Homeless people are ordinarily one of the most vulnerable groups in society and during Covid-19 they are exposed and at a significantly increased risk. Not only do they not have a safe space for refuge, many do not have access to facilities for regularly washing hands, protective supplies, sanitizer etc. We have supported several organisations in helping those experiencing homelessness remain safe, fed and protected.
One of the organisations we supported is Feed Our Homeless, who received €10,000 from our Covid Response Fund. Like many non-profits at the moment, they have experienced a sharp decline in both monetary and food donations – due to businesses being closed. Our grant enabled their dedicated volunteers to engage with and feed over 100 people each day – and night and over benefit 500 people overall. In addition, they were also able to provide critical Covid-19 preventative supplies including gloves, masks and wet wipes.
Dublin Christian Mission, like many organisations helping the homeless, has seen a huge increase in demand for its services. They received a grant of €7,000 used to help them provide up to 200 meals per day for eight weeks to those who needed them during the pandemic. They also provided clothing and toiletries to service users who required them.
Dublin Simon Community received funding of €10,000 to ensure their clients continue to receive the vital care, shelter and support that they need and that they have somewhere safe and secure to self-isolate, as well as access to thorough medical care should they need it. CEO Sam McGuinness commented: “We have identified 25 isolation rooms, launched an internal awareness campaign, increased cleaning regimes and are providing Personal Protection Equipment such as masks, gloves and hand sanitiser to clients and staff. The increased bed count means 36 beds will be available in acute hospitals for those in need. Our “Step-Up Step-Down” unit also now has additional nursing staff fully equipped to deal with these specific cases.”
While the homeless crisis still presents huge challenges for those without a home, it’s a source of great encouragement to see people coming together in their communities and supporting those less fortunate during such difficult times. If you would like to find out more information on how you can support causes close to your heart and improve the lives of vulnerable communities visit our Giving section here.