North West Simon Community issues urgent Christmas appeal

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.

Noel Daly, CEO of North West Simon Community explains that the number of children, women, and men provided emergency accommodation in the North West has doubled over the last two years, and many more people are experiencing hidden homelessness and seek support wherever they can find it.

People living rough, escaping abuse, couch surfing, or sharing with parents, family, and friends, face multiple challenges. So far this year, 227 households comprising 266 adults and 207 children sought our support, while we provide Social Housing to 23 Adults and 13 Children.  

"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," Noel said.

"We work with them to find solutions, linking in with other services and assisting in the search for a secure home of their own. 

"North West Simon Community needs the support of all those who can afford to help to enable us to continue this vital work, with those people who still need assistance and those who will face homelessness for the first time in 2024.

"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," he said.

Readers who wish to support the appeal can make a donation via this link: https://www.northwestsimon.ie/ donate-now/.