Sun shines on a unique city garden space

A UNIQUE shelter that provides a home from home for those who are homeless and living with addiction has opened a new roof garden at their premises.

Depaul Ireland has been celebrating the new roof garden in Orchid House on James’s Street that opened just in time for the sunshine.

Up until the opening of the garden, the emergency homeless accommodation services in Dublin had no accessible outdoor space for residents to spend time in.

Over the past five years the staff and residents in Orchid House had been hoping to turn a disused space on the roof into a garden.

Kerry Anthony, the CEO of Depaul Ireland said that thanks to recently awarded funding from Jury’s Inn, which paid for the structural work on the space, some of the most vulnerable people who experience homelessness are now enjoying a bright, lively, safe, and beautiful space within Orchid House.

“This newly brightened up space will be the venue for volunteer-led activities and will positively impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the people living in the service who have experienced extended periods of homelessness and exclusion,

? she said.

“To have such a beautiful space is a marvel and one that everyone has been wanting for so long.

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A number of residents, staff, volunteers, board members, and representatives from Depaul Ireland corporate partners came together to mark the opening of the garden recently.

Ms Anthony addressed the group and stated:

“The people who stay in Orchid House are experiencing homelessness and are the most in need in our community.

“Finally they are now able to have a bright, tranquil garden space. It would not have been possible without the support of Jury’s Inn and the volunteer time and commitment of so many others who helped make Orchid House’s roof garden dream a reality.

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John Brennan, the CEO of Jury’s Inn said they were passionate about the work of Depaul Ireland.

“You can see this from all of the ways we are getting involved, from projects like this to our recent charity cycle challenge,

? he said.

“We are delighted to have been able to support the creation of this new space. What we contributed is a small amount in comparison to all that goes on, but we are glad to help.

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Also there to celebrate the opening of the space was Breda Judge, Aviva’s volunteer coordinator who organised two team days of painting and gardening.

One of the residents of the centre who was speaking at the event, said: “I helped with the mural painting in the roof garden that was done by our volunteer, Cathal.

“I now want to get back into art. I used to do it years ago and I will be taking it back up again.

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Another resident asked to get her photo taken with all the visitors so she could send it to her daughter to show her what a lovely place she lived in.