Galway Simon Community is commencing development of 10 homes in Galway City with full accessibility for older people and for people who have compromised mobility or who are wheelchair users.
In recent years Galway Simon Community staff and volunteers have witnessed an upward trend in the numbers of older people becoming homeless. The charity is responding to this need by creating 10 purpose-built homes that are specifically designed for single people who are older and who have health or mobility issues.
Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community, said these apartments are universally accessible and designed to enable people to live independently and thrive in their community. Staff and volunteers in Galway Simon will support people living in these homes, providing additional security and protection to people who may be vulnerable.
“Tenants will be part of Galway Simon Community and will be welcome to join in with our Community activities including our wonderful Simon Choir and Community Garden. A lot of work has gone in to get us to this stage and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped along the way,” she said.
“These homes are being developed on a derelict site. They are fully accessible, on a bus route and close to medical and social services.
“We are working with many older people who are experiencing fuel poverty and these homes have been designed to be thermally efficient and A rated. They will utilise green technologies and have very low running costs. We believe they will make a very significant impact in improving the lives of ten individuals. They will also reduce pressure on emergency and other health services,” she added.
This development is a collaboration between Galway Simon Community and Galway City Council, and is being funded by the Department of Housing under Housing for All.
