A charity reported on Thursday that it provided emergency housing for 32 more homeless families in Dublin last year, reports Breaking News.
A total of 205 families found shelter in The Salvation Army’s three family hubs in the city, an increase from 173 in 2022.
The 2023 report indicates that a total of 76,000 meals were served to both parents and children across Houben House (Harold’s Cross), Clonard Road (Crumlin), and Greencastle (Coolock).
Chloe Coffey, a 25-year-old mother, is one of the new residents at Houben House, reports Breaking News.
Due to issues with the creche her four-year-old son Jackson attends, who has a life-limiting heart condition, Chloe had to leave her job, making it impossible for her to pay her monthly rent of 2,700 euros.
She recently shared her story directly with Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien and party leaders during a housing special broadcast on RTE 1’s Upfront programme.
“I had to leave my job and simply couldn’t manage the rent, so I had to declare myself homeless,” she explained, reports Breaking News.
“I’m thankful to have a roof over my head, but you can’t simultaneously cook and look after your child in a shared kitchen. Each morning feels unbearable; I find myself constantly crying, and my son keeps asking, ‘Why is mammy always upset?,” reports Breaking News.
Staff at the church and charity’s three family hubs, as well as three adult-only hubs, strive to reduce the pressures of homelessness by offering a variety of programs for residents.
These initiatives include training for independent living, job placement programs, stress relief activities, walking groups, and support groups based on the Twelve Steps of Recovery.
“Even with the significant challenges, our families are determined to look beyond their current situation, engage with our services, and strive for a better future for themselves and their children,” stated Marion Rouffet, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander in Ireland, reports Breaking News.
“There are numerous challenges associated with homelessness that hinder individuals from reaching their full potential, including insufficient housing options, financial strain, mental health issues, and language barriers. We address all these factors to assist people in progressing in their lives. Our committed staff collaborate with housing agencies to locate suitable accommodations and offer various classes and workshops to help individuals learn essential skills for life beyond the family hub, such as budgeting and healthy eating,” reports Breaking News.
The annual report also points out that employees at some of the family hubs sometimes experience “compassion fatigue” due to their engagement with individuals who have undergone trauma.
Additionally, they operate an active chaplaincy service that provides pastoral care to residents, staff, and families.
The Salvation Army, which is supported by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE, is a major provider of emergency accommodation in Dublin, delivering over 250,000 bed nights each year across its six lifehouses, reports Breaking News.
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