Night café aims to help rough sleepers sleepers

HOMELESS services in Dublin received a boost last week with the opening of a new night café for people rough sleeping.

In December, the Government endorsed a 20-point action plan to respond to the key concerns of homelessness, particularly in Dublin.

Dublin City Council, as the lead authority for homelessness in the region, is playing a central role in the implementation of these actions.

This is being achieved in conjunction with the other Dublin local authorities, Health Service Executive and state-funded homeless services.

One of the core actions outlined in the action plan was the setting-up of a new night café to support persons who are rough sleeping.

The service duly opened last Wednesday (January 21) at Merchants Quay, and will operate seven nights a week from 11pm until 7.30am.

The night café will be managed and operated by Merchants Quay Ireland, who provide a range of services to people experiencing homelessness and drug use.

Every effort is being made to accommodate persons, who are rough sleeping in the Dublin region in the first instance.

However, the night café provides a service for persons, who cannot or will not access emergency homeless accommodation. The service includes tea/coffee and a light meal; information and advice; showers/clothing; brief interventions on addiction and mental health; and referral to support services for accommodation, treatment, health and social services.

Independent TD for Dublin Bay North, Terence Flanagan, welcomed the café’s opening.

“It will provide much-needed support and services to the city’s homeless,

? said Deputy Flanagan.

“There have been some bitterly cold nights this winter and I am relieved that people who are sleeping rough will have a warm and welcoming place to spend their nights if they so wish.

“Although the opening of the cafe is a positive step, much more needs to be done and tackling homelessness needs to remain a priority for Government.

?

Dublin Central TD Joe Costello (Lab) also welcomed the new facility.

“I particularly welcome the fact that the café will provide important advice and support for people suffering from addiction issues and mental health problems,

? said Deputy Costello.