Galway Simon Launch Appeal Amidst Increasing Winter Demands

With the recent cold weather and rising food and fuel poverty coming on top of the housing crisis, Galway Simon Community is deeply concerned about the number of families seeking assistance this Winter.

The number of families in emergency accommodation has increased further, with the latest figures released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government revealing a 28% year on year increase in the number of families in emergency accommodation in the West during October.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community says; "In the last 10 months we have supported 1,255 individuals, including 201 families and 429 children across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. We are deeply concerned that this number is set to rise further, especially during the colder months of Winter. Galway Simon is facing huge challenges in providing supports to the most vulnerable people in our community. We are doing everything we can to keep as many families out of Emergency Accommodation as possible this Christmas."

Single mother Megan and her six-year-old daughter Emily are one of the families supported by Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services. When Megan came to Galway Simon she was deeply distressed after receiving yet another Notice to Quit. Over the previous three years she’d had to move three times and she was struggling to find any affordable accommodation. Galway Simon advocated on her behalf and this Christmas Megan and her daughter are settling into their new home. Megan is very grateful that she and Emily did not need to access Emergency Accommodation.

"I was desperately looking for a new place but there was no affordable accommodation available. Thankfully Galway Simon was there to help us. They helped me with all the paperwork and supported me in applying for housing. They were real life savers. Thanks to Galway Simon we are spending our first Christmas in our new home." Megan said.

The charity has issued an urgent appeal ahead of Christmas, asking people to support them to prevent other families, like Megan and Emily, from experiencing the trauma of homelessness.

"The vital funds raised by our Christmas appeal are more important than ever to enable us to continue to support those coming to us in fear of losing their home this Christmas. It’s wonderful to see people participate in our events, such as our Winter Solstice Dip at Dawn event, which takes place on the 21st of December at Salthill Beach. To see the community coming together in support of those facing the trauma of homelessness is truly uplifting. We are asking the people of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to please give whatever they can to help us to keep families here in the West in homes and out of Emergency Accommodation this Christmas." Karen said.

If you would like to help prevent the trauma of homelessness for families in our community this Christmas, please visit www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 38 18 28 to give a gift to Galway Simon Community today. 100% of proceeds will go directly to Galway Simon Community who provide support and accommodation services to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.