A SOUTHSIDE based housing charity has released a short documentary telling the stories of three women who used its service to escape homelessness.
The stark documentary sees the women speak directly to camera about their experiences of addiction, prostitution and crime before coming into contact with Daisyhouse service.
Using a black-and-white style, the Stories From Daisyhouse documentary hears tales that go from absolute despair to hope and recovery.
Two of the women spoke anonymously, for fear of being stigmatised because of their past. Justine Reilly, however, was willing to share her experiences openly.
“I spent almost 20 years in prostitution,
? she said.
“I was drinking two bottles of wine every night to knock myself out, I was living in my van. I was completely broken. Daisyhouse taught me how to live in society again.
?
Justine is now embarking on a career in acting and writing for the stage. ‘Florence’ and ‘Sarah’ who also speak in the documentary have used their time in Daisyhouse to return to education and hope to earn degrees over the next few years.
The documentary was produced by James Keating of LandsLeaving Media.
“Working with these women has been massively inspirational,
? he said.
“Seeing the strength they have and the things they’ve overcome is a testament to the great work Daisyhouse do.
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Based in Dublin 8, Daisyhouse is a voluntary housing charity providing supported temporary accommodation to people experiencing homelessness.
It was founded in 1989 by the late Sr Una McCourtney CSJP (1935-1996). With the help of her sister Eilish, the then Senator, and former President, Mary Robinson and Ita Kelly, a property was found in Dublin 8 and Sr Una opened up a service for single homeless women fleeing domestic violence.
Daisyhouse service users are empowered to do more for themselves, encouraged to examine and address the issues which may have contributed to their homelessness and helped to develop their capacity to live independently.