THE increasing cost-of-living crisis has made 2023 challenging for numerous individuals in Cork. Now, picture the additional heartbreak of facing homelessness.
Focus Ireland has been working harder than ever in 2023 supporting 680 households in Cork who are homeless or at risk (figures from January 2023 to November 2023).
We have been based in Cork since 2007 and our work has grown as we now provide 152 homes throughout the city and county through our own developments by Focus Housing Association in close partnership with local authorities.
I was delighted to attend the opening of 16 of these homes in the heart of Cork City on the Grand Parade earlier this year which also incudes our new Cork office.
Focus Ireland also supports households in Cork through housing and services work and many more through our Tenancy Support and Settlement service.
The total number of people homeless is now over 13,000 for the first time ever - this includes 543 adults in Cork.
Homelessness not just a
Dublin issue
While family homelessness is mostly a Dublin crisis many are at risk around the country due to the housing crisis. As I write there are more than 200 children in emergency accommodation in the Southwest region. This crisis means that a record total of over 4,000 children will be homeless in Ireland this Christmas. Many are only babies. It is disgraceful they will be spending their first Christmas in life without a place to call home.
It is wrong that this is happening. Christmas should be a time of joy and creating special memories that will last a lifetime. Sadly, children who are homeless will be stuck in emergency accommodation with no proper place to put up a tree, play or even have family and friends over to visit.
It is also incredibly stressful for parents as they can often feel misplaced guilt for being homeless. Our staff work with families every day to help them deal with the trauma caused by losing their home.
Ireland is not a poor country, and we must always remember that homelessness is not inevitable and can be prevented by the right policies.
Focus Ireland has called on the Government to give a fairer share of the social housing coming on stream to families who are long-term homeless. By doing this they could ensure that at least no child would suffer homelessness for more than six months.
In the mist of this crisis, it is important to highlight that there is good work being done every day by Focus Ireland, other NGOs, and the State to prevent and end homelessness.
We also provide 1,400 homes in Ireland and have ended homelessness for so many families and individuals.
Kate’s story
Our Christmas appeal features one mother who very kindly told her family’s story. I think her words really show the terrible reality of homelessness for families and what a difference getting a home makes for people.
Kate said: “For the first year we were homeless my husband and our three children all lived in one room in emergency accommodation. When my husband came home from work each day, I had to take five minutes and sit on the stairs the room and cry.”
Then the family’s life changed when Focus Ireland helped them to secure a home.
Kate said: “My son has now his own room. Just sleeping in your own bed, on clean sheets. It is like heaven for us all.”
Focus Ireland is helping many families like Kate’s to escape from the nightmare of homelessness. But we cannot do this life-changing work without your help.
We are heavily reliant on its fundraising to keep its services going in the local area as the charity stressed that it needs to raise over 40% of its annual running costs from public donations and corporate sponsorship.
Every day a child spends in homelessness hurts them even more.
This Christmas, please help stop this needless suffering for children and their families.
Focus Ireland advise anyone who is worried about their housing situation – be it falling behind with the rent, facing eviction or whatever the problem may be – to contact Focus Ireland housing advice and information services in Cork on 40/41 Grand Parade, Cork City, 021-4273646 or email help@focusireland.ie
Read More
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No child should be homeless this Christmas
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19.12.2023
THE increasing cost-of-living crisis has made 2023 challenging for numerous individuals in Cork. Now, picture the additional heartbreak of facing homelessness.
Focus Ireland has been working harder than ever in 2023 supporting 680 households in Cork who are homeless or at risk (figures from January 2023 to November 2023).
We have been based in Cork since 2007 and our work has grown as we now provide 152 homes throughout the city and county through our own developments by Focus Housing Association in close partnership with local authorities.
I was delighted to attend the opening of 16 of these homes in the heart of Cork City on the Grand Parade earlier this year which also incudes our new Cork office.
Focus Ireland also supports households in Cork through housing and services work and many more through our Tenancy Support and Settlement service.
The total number of people homeless is now over 13,000 for the first time ever - this includes 543 adults in Cork.
Homelessness not just a
Dublin issue
While family homelessness is mostly a Dublin........
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