A charity which provides accommodation to more than 100 homeless single men and women is appealing to people to give generously to its appeal for funds.
Galway Simon Community chief executive Marlene O’Connor was speaking in advance of the organisation’s door drop campaign which will target homes in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon over the Easter period.
“A letter asking for financial help is the last thing that many of us need right now,” she says.
“However, we really do need support to keep our services afloat and we are hoping that the public will respond with generosity to our urgent appeal.
“A major crisis seems to happen all too often and many of us are feeling the financial burden of assisting the world recover from its disasters, whether natural or manmade.
“However, as our sights are fixed further afield there is a silent crisis right here in our own communities that is affecting more and more people every day. That crisis is homelessness.”
She says homelessness is a “devastating” experience for individuals and families. It affects every aspect of family life, damaging physical and emotional health, interfering with children’s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members.
“At present, Galway Simon provide accommodation for over 100 single men and women that for one reason or another became homeless.
“In addition to accommodation, the charity is constantly trying to combat the causes and effects of homelessness by providing additional supportive services such as health, mental health and substance abuse treatment.
“As the demand for our services increases, our government funding has been decreased. If we are to continue to provide the high level of care and support to the most vulnerable people in our society, then we need help.”
People wishing to make a donation can contact the Galway Simon office at (091 ) 589415 or donate online at www.galwaysimon.ie
