With homelessness figures in Ireland the highest on record, North West Simon Community is appealing to the local community this holiday season, to help raise much-needed funds to support those at risk or experiencing homelessness in Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo.

If you wish to support our appeal right now you can make a donation here: https://www.northwestsimon.ie/donate-now/

The number of children, women, and men staying in emergency accommodation each week has almost doubled in the North West region since 2021. Meanwhile, the people experiencing hidden homelessness seek support wherever they can find it. People living rough, escaping abuse, couch surfing, or sharing with parents, family, and friends, face multiple challenges. High rents, a shortage of social housing, and affordable properties to rent, along with the threat of an imminent eviction as mor and more landlords leave the market, all add to the trauma of homelessness.

Every day, our housing team quietly and discretely visits people at risk or experiencing homelessness in their local communities across the length and breadth of Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo. We work with them to find solutions, linking in with other services and assisting in the search for a secure home of their own. In 2022, a total of 239 households – comprising 292 Adults accompanied by 244 Child Dependents – sought our help, and we were able to prevent or resolve homelessness for more than half of these families. Now we need your support to enable us to continue this vital work, with people who still need assistance and those who will face homelessness for the first time in 2024.

More than ever before, we urgently need your help to prevent and resolve homelessness for these people.

2024 presents an uncertain future for anyone without a home of their own, which is why I am appealing to you today. Your donation can enable us to continue helping individuals and families avoid the trauma of homelessness.

Please, this Christmas, give what you can to help us to continue delivering our vital services.

The ongoing housing crisis is devastating for so many people in Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo, but the challenge will be overcome, with your help and ours.

 

Thank you.

 

Yours sincerely,

Noel Daly
CEO, North West Simon Community