COPE Galway has made an additional 23 beds available for people sleeping on the street as part of its annual Cold Weather Response.
The annual Cold Weather Response, co-organised by COPE Galway and Galway City Council is starting today, three weeks earlier than in previous winters.
The additional 23 beds for rough sleepers are being provided at the site of the COPE Galway Day Centre for Homeless on Seamus Quirke Road.
“These additional beds are specifically for people sleeping rough in Galway and will be available over the coldest and most inclement weeks and months of the year,” explained Martin O’Connor of COPE Galway.
“The main aim is to provide a warm and safe place for people to be off the streets in the evening and night time, safeguarding them against the risk of harm associated with sleeping rough.”
“We also aim to work with and support individuals to identify long term solutions to their situation focusing on helping them secure accommodation and housing”.
The Cold Weather Response operates from 5.30pm each evening, providing night time sleeping accommodation along with access to a hot meal, shower and laundry facilities.
Access to medical care and support is also provided with the help of the HSE.
During the day, those using the service will have access to supports through the COPE Galway operated Day Centre service.
The Cold Weather Response will remain in place until April 24, 2020.
Last winter, during its 22 weeks of operation, the Cold Weather Response project accommodated 199 people ranging in age from 18 to over 80 years.
COPE Galway is asking the Galway public for their assistance to help spread the word about the availability of these additional beds and to also let the organisation know details of locations where people are rough sleeping.
You can phone 085 8009641 and 085 8009709 to contact the Cold Weather Response team during the evening and night time.
You can also make contact during daytime hours, Monday to Saturday, by telephoning 091 525259.
