YOUNG people are the key to solving the housing crisis, according to Solidarity Councillor Michael O’Brien, who was speaking at a Donaghmede-based sleepout to raise awareness about homelessness.
Arranged by fifth years from Grange Community College, the event took place from 8pm on Friday, October 12 to 8am on Saturday, October 13. Around 20 people were in attendance, setting up tents outside Donaghmede Church on the rainy night.
The event was organised by Brandon O’Connor (16), a volunteer at Inner City Helping Homelessness. Feeling unable to participate fully in helping the homelessness because of his age, he arranged the event to remind those in the suburbs of the extent of the crisis.
“In Dublin city centre, you see homelessness every day. But there’s not many people homeless around here and those that are, sofa surf or are stuck in their parents’ house. You don’t see it,” said O’Connor.
“I want people to realise homelessness is a growing issue and consider helping out homelessness organisations in whatever way they can.”
The sleepout was difficult to organise, according to the youngsters.
“No one was willing to support us. We’re teenagers and people did not want to help in case they were liable if anything went wrong. But I think we managed okay,” said Rebecca Gray (17) who also helped organise the event.
After approaching various charities and organisations, the Tasnuva Shamim Foundation stepped in to provide food, tables and tents.
The Clongriffin based non-profit organisation is one of the many to give food outside the GPO on Friday nights.
“It’s very important to raise awareness in our local communities. I’ve never seen anyone around here do something like this so as soon as these students came to me and asked for my help, I said of course,” said Shagor Ahmed Shamim, founder of the Tasnuva Shamim Foundation.
“These are the people who will lead our community in the future. It’s important we support them.”
Cllr O’Brien, who represents the Beaumont-Donaghmede Local Electoral Area (LEA), said it has been “frustrating” not being able to replicate the success of the water charges campaign for the homelessness crisis. He wants a mass people power movement to tackle the issue, one which will help the Government “do the right thing”.
“I think it’s been difficult because those who are the worst affected – homeless or in emergency accommodation – are unable on a practical level to get active,” said Cllr O’Brien.
“The missing piece of the jigsaw seems to be young people who can’t find somewhere affordable.
“They’re demonstrating energy and a willingness to get active. That’s key to getting the people power movement that we need going.”
Cllr O’Brien added: “The school students here tell me they are 16 and 17-years-of age. If the Government doesn’t change tack policy-wise on housing, they will inherit the mess by the time they are third-level students trying to find somewhere of their own to live.”