Clondalkin Helping Homeless faces closure if a location for the foodbank can’t be found

Clondalkin Helping Homeless foodbank are facing closure if they don’t find another location after the board of Bawnogue Youth and Community Centre decided they need the space currently used by the foodbank for storage.

Bawnogue Youth and Community Centre wrote to the foodbank saying must vacate the area by June Bank Holiday.

One regular user of the foodbank said: ‘’I’ve used the local food bank run by Frances Timmons that is based in Bawnogue Community Centre for the last few years as I found myself struggling after my marriage broke down (domestic abusive marriage)and he left me in a lot of debt struggling to raise 3 sons.

“A friend of mine got in touch with Francis and I have to say it has been the best thing that has happened as without the help and friendly support that I have received I actually don’t know how I could of coped or even been able to get through some of the hardest times I’ve faced so far.

“It’s the back bone to this community that so many vulnerable people can access where you’re not judged and where they make you feel like a human.

“This is such a valuable service to this community and thank you to everyone involved from the bottom of my heart as they do make changes to people’s lives.’’

Cllr Francis Timmons says Clondalkin Helping Homeless is a lifeline for many people in the community.

‘’It’s an awful predicament to be in, we really are running out of options.

“So many have, and do, rely on this vital community service.

“Many are making choices between rent, heating and food.

“Some people are really struggling and this service is a lifeline to those people.

“Clondalkin Helping Homeless was the only service that remained fully functional during the pandemic.

“According to the Foodbank app we have collected 31,000 kg of food which is equivalent of 74,375 meals.

“I’m appealing to anyone who can offer us a base for the weekly foodbank to contact us, we cannot afford to lose this vital community service”

Mairead, who is a volunteer with Clondalkin Helping Homeless, said: ”I have been a volunteer with Clondalkin Helping Homeless service for a number of years, we work tirelessly within the community helping a number of families who are struggling on a weekly basis.

“We operated throughout the pandemic, providing our service during a particularly difficult time for so many.

“Our service currently operates out of the Bawnogue Community Center weekly, although the volunteers do much more, we collect food donations, deliver food to those who cannot attend themselves, and prior to the opening hours all the food donations have to sorted into crates in readiness for distribution.

“The service also has association with food cloud allowing delivery of donations of some perishable goods, and we also provide sleeping bags and tents to those who have no shelter.

“Our service is vital to many people trying to survive these hard times.”

Another volunteer, Anita, said: ”My name is Anita i am a volunteer in Clondalkin Helping Homeless and those in need.

“Alongside other volunteers whom are caring, friendly, generous, kind and easy to talk to and aproch.

“With Clondalkin Helping Homeless, and those in need, I have learned the importance of how to be a part of a community and learning how we all can take care of each other specially those very venerable in our community that can be overlooked.

“This has been an amazing experience for me to be able to be a part of, this great cause that is keeping food in peoples tummies whom might well without this service go hungry and feel alone.

“I look forward to the future working with Clondalkin helping homeless and those in need.”