Local homeless charity Galway Simon Community has launched an emergency appeal in a bid to fund their vital housing and homelessness prevention services during what they say is ‘a crisis within a crisis’.
The appeal was launched as part of a national campaign in response to the significant rise in running costs of the Simon Communities across the country in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
The emergency appeal compares the challenges of social isolation with the challenges that people experiencing homelessness face each day.
According to Galway Simon Community, they are facing huge challenges in the months ahead to keep their services running.
Karen Feeney, Head of Client Services at Galway Simon Community explained the uncertainty the charity is facing.
“The crisis is putting so many already vulnerable people at particular risk, including those who are homeless and those who are at risk of falling into homelessness due to a sudden reduction in income,” she said.
“Many of the people we are supporting are truly isolated – exposed, vulnerable, and sometimes with underlying health issues, which places them at even higher risk. Many of them are facing this pandemic without a place to call home. For them, this is an especially terrifying time.
“We were already dealing with a very serious housing and homelessness crisis and now we are very worried about what is to come.
“Our Homelessness Prevention Team is already stretched trying to keep people in their own homes, but with economic difficulties looming, we are hugely concerned about even more challenges ahead.
“This is our time to stand together, and to look out for each other. If you can manage it in the current circumstances, please consider supporting Galway Simon with a donation.”
If you are in a position to support, visit www.galwaysimon.ie to make a donation today or call 091 381828.
