Galway Fire and Rescue Services personnel from across city and county are set to participate in tomorrow’s Galway Simon Sleep Out, joining volunteers in various locations as they sacrifice the warmth and comfort of their beds to raise awareness and show solidarity with those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the community.
“In our line of work, we’re lucky to work with the people in our communities on a daily basis and we get to witness first-hand the vibrant community spirit in each of our locales. Unfortunately, we also see the rising homelessness crisis and how the needs for services like Galway Simon are so prevalent. That’s why we’ve decided to come together to make a difference and help those who are struggling in our community,” said Ray Rohan, Firefighter at Galway City Fire and Rescue.
Support needed now more than ever
Though it may not be the best sleep ever, this Friday’s sleep out is just one night, for those experiencing homelessness, it is every night.
Fintan Maher, head of fundraising and communications for Galway Simon, says that events like the sleep out and donations are needed now more than ever, as we move into what is set to be a tough winter for homeless charities across Ireland.
“It is getting worse rather than getting better. There are children living in emergency accommodation during a time period when we have more money than ever. In the Galway, Mayo and Roscommon region last month we saw the highest number of adults in emergency accommodation reported for that area and it shows no sign of stopping.
“During winter it generally gets worse and numbers of people needing our help will go up from now until Christmas. We are already at peak level nationally and locally, and we do predict that it will be getting worse across all aid services. As such we have put out a call to the Government for help, if they have all this money then they need to be using it to help others.
“There are nearly 40,000 children in emergency accommodation now, going home from school to BnB’s and hotels. It is an emergency and should be treated as such.”
Support
With many facing homelessness under the threat of eviction, Maher says that it is increasingly difficult for people to find alternative accommodation due to a lack of affordable available rental properties. Thanks to the charity’s homeless prevention service, Galway Simon can support those threatened by homelessness find alternatives.
“We move heaven and earth for people who need us, and in the last two years we have been able to support people and avoid placing people into emergency accommodation in 90 per cent of cases. If you are in difficulty or are threatened with homelessness, engaging early with a service like Galway Simon is very important. The earlier you engage, the better the chances to help are.
“A big thank you to the community and those who always respond to the sleep out or help in other ways, without them the work we do would not be possible. A big thank you too, to those who are sleeping out and supporting in ways that they can.
Taking place from 6pm to 6am tomorrow, Friday, October 6, there are organised sleep outs and collections taking place across Galway. On Shop St, participants of the sleep out will begin the night fundraising with buckets, both up and down the street and in nearby pubs. Music will be supplied by the Galway Simon Choir from 10pm before the approximate 35 participants will bed down for the night. Similar sleep outs are taking place in Loughrea, Oranmore, Boston Scientific, University of Galway and a number of schools across Galway and Mayo.
To learn how to arrange your own sleep out in aid of Galway Simon, or how to donate, visit galwaysimon.ie
