Locals protest over homeless shelter

AN ACTION group in Dublin 8 is trying to prevent changes to a service for young homeless people which they believe could put local children at risk.

The service at the Foyer in St Catherine’s Community Centre on Marrowbone Lane, which is currently run by Cara Housing Association, has been in operation for a decade and shares an entrance used by children’s sports groups.

However, it’s due to be taken over by the Peter McVerry Trust (PMVT) and will provide temporary supported accommodation to bring it in line with national homelessness policy.

Members of Fairness For D8 Young People, a group set up to challenge the decision to change the service, say they aren’t against shelters but have concerns about the impact it could have on local community groups.

“We’re not against homeless shelters,

? said action group member Ronan Boylan.

“They serve a great purpose. There’s been one here operating for 10 years and it’s been of great benefit to the community. It’s turned a lot of people’s lives around.

?

However, the action group believes that changes planned for the homeless service could see potentially high-risk adults sharing facilities with vulnerable young people who have worked hard to turn their lives around.

They also fear that local children who use the centre on a daily basis will be exposed to homeless addicts and alcoholics queuing up during the day to secure a bed at night.

The action group, which held a protest outside Dublin City Council offices on Fishamble Street last week to highlight their concerns, claim they weren’t consulted about the change and want it postponed.

“No consultation has taken place with the young people engaged in the Foyer project, who are accommodated on site and who will be forced to interact with unknown adults, some of whom could have alcohol or drug problems or criminal records.

?

Mr Boylan added that the action group is willing to discuss the matter with Dublin City Council and the PMVT and they attended a meeting with officials last week.

President of St Catherine’s Boxing Club, Lorraine Fitzgerald, said the club was supportive of the Foyer project but shared the action group’s concerns.

“We can’t understand the decision to open a supported transition accommodation centre in the same building as a community sports centre,

? she said.

“We all have to be Garda vetted and trained in child protection before even setting foot in the building. When this shelter opens, will we have drug addicts, people with mental problems and convicted criminals using the same building entrance as young children?

“How does that make sense? We need the existing model of addiction free and vetted young people kept in place.

?

Dublin City Council and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive say the service at St Catherine’s Foyer is being brought into line with national policy.

“The new service provider, PMVT, have extensive experience with helping young people break the cycle of homelessness and move into independent living,

? a statement reads.

“National policy on homelessness is to ensure a housing led approach.

“The ultimate aim is that people only stay in homeless accommodation for a short period of time and are moved into housing and independent living as soon as possible.

“Additionally, great care and attention will be provided to ensure that St Catherine’s Foyer will continue to remain as an integrated part of the local community as we believe that support from local communities does bring positive change to young people who are experiencing homelessness.

?

The PMVT said its decision to agree to take over St Catherine’s Foyer came following consultation with key funding stakeholders and added that it was committed to providing a temporary accommodation service

“specifically to address youth homelessness.

?

“This is about supporting these young people to access and prepare for long-term housing as well as training, education and employment,

? said CEO Pat Doyle.

“I understand from the petition of the local action group that there is no objection to a youth homelessness facility staying in St Catherine’s. Concerns are, as I understand it, about a general homelessness facility.

“Through this change process we are securing continuation of support for existing residents, providing opportunity for future users in line with national policy and maintaining security of employment for current employees of the service who wish to remain.

?