Focus Ireland launches urgent appeal for donations 

Focus Ireland has issued an urgent appeal for donations as record numbers of children, families and individuals are facing Christmas without a home. 

This year 14,966 people including 4,645 children in 2,161 families will spend the festive season in emergency accommodation.

Alarmingly, almost 380 families in Dublin are facing their second, and in some cases third and fourth Christmas experiencing homelessness.  

Focus Ireland’s ‘Children Can’t Wait’ appeal seeks to rally support for those affected by homelessness and raise awareness of the urgent need for safe, stable housing.

The campaign which aims to raise €1.3 million for homelessness services, comes at a crucial time as record numbers of families face the trauma of homelessness this winter.

With much emergency accommodation now reaching capacity, many families are experiencing the distressing reality of ‘hidden homelessness’, staying in unsuitable, often unsafe accommodation. 

Launching the appeal, CEO of Focus Ireland, Pat Dennigan, said, “We believe that every child deserves a place to call home, especially during Christmas.

“Unfortunately the reality is that this week, as many families sit down to enjoy the Toy Show, 4,645 children from 2,161 families are facing Christmas in emergency accommodation or, worse, living in hidden homelessness.

“That’s more than four and a half thousand young lives interrupted, facing obstacles they should never have to face, and it is heartbreaking to know that some of these children are just newborn babies and will be spending their first ever Christmas experiencing homelessness. 

“The latest Department of Housing Report shows that homelessness has risen by 47% since the last general election in February 2020, with a 34% increase in family homelessness and a 31% increase in child homelessness in the same period.

“We now have almost 15,000 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland. It’s a number that should make us stop and think, but it’s also a number that inspires us to act.  

“Through our work, Focus Ireland has learned that homelessness results from unmet needs, which, with support, we can address.

“We know that ending homelessness is possible. Every day we are helping people get back their hope for the future, get back on their feet and into homes, through our support services, campaigning and housing provision.

“Our fundraising appeal seeks not just to provide immediate relief, but to foster long-term solutions that will give families a future they can look forward to.” 

Last year, Focus Ireland provided essential support to more than 18,000 people across the country who were experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, an increase of 12% compared to 2022.

Since 2021, Focus Ireland has helped more than 1,550 families leave homelessness, effectively helping more than one family exit homelessness every day for each of the past three years.  

The charity recently published research into the experiences of families who became homeless in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, revealing critical insights into the systemic factors driving family homelessness, the barriers families face in accessing support, and the challenges of living in emergency accommodation. 

Focus Ireland is advocating for the next Government to prioritise ending homelessness during its term of office by adopting its solutions and proposal to tackle long term homelessness. 

Focus Ireland LEAP (Lived Experience Ambassador Programme) ambassador, James Flanagan (aged 20) experienced homelessness as a young child with his Mum before they secured housing with the support of Focus Ireland.

He said he wants the new Government to understand the causes and effects of homelessness.  

“I want the Government to understand homelessness, understand the stories, the people and the emotion of how hard it is to be homeless.

“The emotion is a big part, it affects a lot of people, it’s traumatic and it stays with you forever.

“So I want the politicians and the new Government [Ministers] to go into hostels, talk to homeless people and understand their situation.

“It’s the biggest issue in Ireland at the moment and it leads to other issues,” said James. 

Speaking about his own experience of Christmas growing up, and why people should support the Focus Ireland appeal, James said: “I have barely any memories of Christmas and I was never too fond of it because it was always a bad time.

“It was always a struggle for money and a struggle for my Mother to make me happy at Christmas.

“There’s a lot of kids living in hostels or emergency accommodation right now who won’t have that sense of Christmas.

“There could be decorations in the hostels and hotels, but it’s not home. Christmas is about being at home with your family and most people [experiencing homelessness] don’t have that.

“So this is the best time of year to support Focus Ireland, because right now almost 15,000 people are going to be without a Christmas.” 

How You Can Help: 

Donations to Focus Ireland’s Christmas appeal will go directly towards supporting families facing homelessness, providing emergency accommodation, housing advice, and long-term housing solutions.

Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling this festive season. 

To donate or to find out more about Focus Ireland’s Christmas appeal, please visit www.focusireland.ie or contact us by phone on 018815900 or email [email protected] 

Together, we can help make this Christmas a time of hope and joy for families facing homelessness.