Sheltered housing extension opens

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins visited the north inner city recently to officially open a major extension at a sheltered housing and addiction treatment services centre.

Teach Mhuire, based in Gardiner Street, is part of Cuan Mhuire’s network of rehabilitation and accommodation centres for those suffering from alcohol, drug and gambling addictions.

Cuan Mhuire is Ireland’s largest multi-site provider of residential detoxification and addiction treatment services, accounting for over half (52 per cent) of all admissions in the country.

The new facility will provide desperately needed, short-term emergency accommodation for some 60 individuals to help them transition to independent living.

It will strengthen aftercare services for those in recovery from addictions, as well as enabling Teach Mhuire to continue to host meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and affiliated self-help supports.

The project was made possible by substantial support from State Street, a major financial services employer at the nearby International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

This support enabled the sensitive restoration of two historic Georgian buildings and their integration into Teach Mhuire’s existing facilities.

As a result, residents and their families will benefit from a strengthened range of supports and advisory services as well as enhanced

‘outreach’ services to the wider inner-city community.

Teach Mhuire will be home to the Lumen Initiative, a unique collaboration between Cuan Mhuire, Government, Dublin City Council, the Homeless Agency and other voluntary agencies.

The initiative will provide a wide range of services tailored to the needs of the homeless and distressed.

Speaking at the opening, Cuan Mhuire founder, Sr Consilio, said President Higgins has been a wonderful advocate for the growing number of marginalised people and families that need its services.

“Our expanded services will enable us to support more of those that are burdened and distressed,

? she said.

“Sadly there are many still left behind that need help. It is heartbreaking to walk down our streets, meeting so many people lost in heroin and other addictive drugs.

“They have no one to help them in their current state of addiction and distress. They need love, care and real hope.

“We need to take them from the streets to a safe home where we can give them specialised care.

“This care should bring them to a stage where they can safely avail of detoxification and rehabilitative services and turn their lives around.

?

Sr Consilio said they were deeply grateful to State Street and all its volunteers and patrons for the assistance they have received on their mission to provide hope for those in crisis.

“Already we are beginning to focus on the next stage of our development which will require another building and more volunteers, suitably qualified for this specialised task,

? she added.

Willie Slattery, executive Vice President, State Street, said:

“Three years ago, I was approached by Sr Consilio, who was armed with a vision to transform what was being provided in Gardiner Street.

“Since then, our businesses in Ireland have contributed a total of $500,000 to ensure that this vision became a reality.

“As an organisation, State Street is deeply committed to making a contribution to our local communities.

“Volunteering is engrained in the company DNA and we will have a close and ongoing relationship with Cuan Mhuire into the future.

?

Mr Slattery added:

“It is clear that this has been money well spent, as it will allow even more people to access the life-changing services provided by Sr Consilio and her team. They are to be commended, and we are very proud to support their work.

?