A group of Athlone citizens have launched an appeal to offer assistance to homeless people in Athlone in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.
Local woman Mags Cunney, with the support of a group of volunteers, have begun raising funds and offering practical assistance to those in need of help in the town.
Mags has established a Go Fund Me page, which to date has raised almost €1,500 which will go towards providing food, clothing, and, when possible, a bed for the night for those in need.
The group has already succeeded in securing a one-bed flat for one local man who had been sleeping rough and was in need of accommodation.
Mags would like to thank Sharon Veale, Melanie Dunne, Cllr Ailish McManus, and Deputy Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran for their help, and all the people from Athlone and further afield who have donated to the fund.
“Charities are running at full capacity and people cannot find beds for the night. Having no permanent address compounds the problem, as without this Social Welfare will not help them,” says Mags.
“We are a small group of local volunteers who put our feet on the streets for the people who need assistance. Funds gathered will help us to help them, by providing food, clothing, and when possible a bed for the night. Even if you can only give €1 it will go towards keeping the homeless men, women and children in Athlone safe and warm.”
The groups intends to keep fundraising to help other homeless people, and if possible to try and offer more people a safe place to stay.
To support the appeal, please search for ‘Direct Help for Athlone’s Homeless’ on www.gofundme.com
