Midlands Simon Community and Sophia have received due commendation from the Minister for Housing, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, for their work in delivering new homes with supports for families, couples and individuals in the Midlands.
At a meeting with the progressive charities, Minister O’Brien praised the positive impact of their new innovative projects across the region.
“Midlands Simon Community and Sophia with the backing of the Department of Housing have ambitious plans to provide supported homes across the Midlands region. My department has worked intensely with the Local Authorities, Sophia and Midlands Simon to ensure funding is provided to develop homes with supports that will make a lasting positive impact on those who need more than a home, those extra supports that can break the cycle of homelessness. I commend the work of Midlands Simon Community and Sophia, in their innovative partnership and the supported homes they are providing for the most vulnerable,” Deputy O’Brien asserted.
Midlands Simon Community and Sophia have been working together to share costs, avoid duplication and provide greater access to housing across the region. The charities plan to create 150 new homes for individuals, couples and families over the next five years and are focused on the goal of making the Midlands region the first region in the State where people no longer need to sleep rough because of the lack of access to shelter or a home their own.
The organisations continue to make strides towards achieving this goal opening new homes with supports in Midlands which were created with the support of Westmeath County Council, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and involved renovating apartments in the heart of Moate town and refurbishing them to create homes much needed support.
This initiative was also praised by local Deputy Robert Troy who acknowledged the strong spirit of effective partnerships.
“We need a strong spirit of effective partnerships and I am always happy to lend my support to organisations such as Midlands Simon Community and Sophia who want to work with Westmeath County Council and deliver what matters most, namely helping people to have a home of their own, such initiatives that deliver for people and are well managed will always have my support,” Deputy Troy remarked.
Mark Cooney, chairperson of the Voluntary Board of Directors of Midlands Simon Community reflected on the new homes being provided in Moate.
“This is another example of how the Midlands Simon Community works in partnership with Sophia to find innovative solutions that work. Midlands Simon Community and Sophia are deeply committed to ending homelessness in the region and this development is another step closer to achieving that goal,” Mr Cooney concluded.
