Crosscare launches 75th anniversary exhibition in Dublin

A SOCIAL support agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin recently launched an exhibition at St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations. 

Crosscare, established in 1941, works in the areas of youth, homeless, community and food initiatives. It has innovated and developed to meet changing needs ever since.  

To mark the 75th anniversary, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin launched the exhibition titled: ‘What Crosscare means to me – 75 Crosscare stories’. It comprises 75 photos of current or former service users including:

• Martin availed of Crosscare homeless services: “It felt like a home when I didn’t have one.” 

• Teresa availed of Crosscare homeless services: “Crosscare really helped me through a very dark period in my life. I had a stable base to work from while seeking accommodation.”

• Thomas has been involved with Crosscare’s youth service for over 12 years: “When I joined I was a troubled youth, Crosscare educated me in an informal way about…drink, drugs, sexual health and even suicide (prevention). They saw the goodness I had to offer that I didn’t see in myself at the times.”

• Joseph frequents one of Crosscare’s community cafés: “I’d be lost as I meet my friends every day and if I didn’t come I wouldn’t cook or eat every day.”

• Husna links with Crosscare’s information services: “Crosscare have made a huge difference in my life, so helpful good advice and guidance.” 

The human costs of homelessness, migration, food poverty, mental health and other crises is seen by Crosscare daily. To channel the experience of people who use its services  for long term good, links with statutory bodies to change policies, procedures and legislation that are adversely impacting on people, Crosscare is calling for:

• A responsive approach to tackling the homeless crisis through revising rent support policies and supplementary welfare allowances/emergency payments criteria for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,

• The restoration of full adult rate of unemployment benefit for people under 25 years who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, leaving care or leaving direct provision,

• The inconsistencies and inadequacies of aftercare provision for people leaving care to be addressed,

• Policy barriers facing returning emigrants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to be removed, and

• Statutory services with which the migrant community links (including Department of Social Protection) to address customer service matters arising.

Crosscare is holding its annual church collection across all masses in the Dublin Diocese this Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18.