Homelessness charity Galway Simon Community is deeply concerned about the number of children and families experiencing homelessness in the West this winter. The charity has issued an urgent appeal ahead of Christmas, asking people to support them to prevent the trauma of homelessness for families across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
This Christmas, more than 100 families and 220 children will spend Christmas in Emergency Accommodation across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. It does not have to be this way. Last year Galway Simon Community supported 214 families with 450 children to prevent them from becoming homeless and the charity reports that the number of families seeking help is continuing to increase.
What do you say to your children if they want to write to Santa, and there’s nowhere for him to deliver their presents?
This was the stark reality for Eoin and his children. Eoin struggled with addiction for much of his adult life and as a result he lost his home and access to his children. The only Christmas gift he ever wanted was for his family to have a place to call home. Eoin has shared his story to highlight how Galway Simon Community supported him in turning his life around.
“I spent two years trapped in homelessness, desperately missing my children every single day. The sadness was truly unbearable at Christmas. The truth is, I wouldn’t be here today if it hadn’t been for Galway Simon. Of that, I’m sure. It was when I went to live in the Galway Simon Recovery Project that my life really turned a corner.
“I had weekly meetings with my addiction counsellor, Tom, and an aftercare group every Tuesday. I was so desperate to be back with my children. All that mattered was getting myself together and finding a place to call home. And I’d never have made it without Galway Simon.
During my time at Galway Simon, I never stopped believing that I’d one day be reunited with my children. I dreamt of us all spending Christmas together. Safe in our own home. Orla, my key worker, helped me look for housing, fill out forms, and make appointments to view places.
“Tom stood by me every step of the way and Galway Simon even put me in touch with a psychologist. It’s my honest belief that I wouldn’t be alive without people like Tom and Orla.
Thanks to Galway Simon, the kids and I did find a home.
“This will be my first Christmas with my children. When I imagine seeing their faces on Christmas morning, opening their presents, safe in their own home, my heart fills with gratitude.
And while I’m grateful for so much, sometimes, what stands out the most are the little things. Being able to tuck my children into bed at night. Learning how to do my daughter’s hair. I’m so grateful for the precious little things.”
Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community says many other families, like Eoin’s, need their support.
“Galway Simon Community still faces huge challenges in providing supports to the most vulnerable people in our community. The homelessness and housing crisis, which has been compounded by the rising cost of living, is leading to an increase in the number of families facing the trauma of homelessness and coming to us for help.
“We are asking the people of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to please give whatever they can this Christmas, to help us to keep families here in the West in their own homes and out of Emergency Accommodation. Our Christmas appeal is more important than ever to enable us to continue to prevent homelessness for families coming to us in crisis.”
If you believe every family should have a place to call home this Christmas, please visit www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 38 18 28 to give a life-changing gift today to Galway Simon Community.
