Galway Simon Community are calling on the people of Galway to show solidarity with those experiencing or at risk of homlessness by sleeping out on Friday 5th October.
Their Sleep Out for Simon campaign, which is in its third year is set to take place across 5 locations in Galway City and County including Shop Street, Tuam, Loughrea, Corinthians R.F.C and Rossaveal.
100% of funds raised will go directly towards supporting Galway Simon’s plans to extend the reach of their homelessness prevention services.
Figures released in May 2018 showed the rate of homelessness in the West of Ireland was growing at four times the national average, and faster than any other region around the country. This coupled with a housing supply that is inadequate to meet the current demand, means the need for a focus on prevention has never been greater.
Joan Reinhardt, Seervices Team Leader with Galway Simon explained the importance of homelessness prevention to combat the current crisis,
“Our prevention services are a critical part of the work we do. We believe early intervention is key to keeping people in their own homes.
“If we can prevent someone from becoming homeless in the first place, we can in turn reduce the trauma for them of having to access emergency homeless service.
“Prevention ultimately reduces the human and economic costs associated with homelessness.”
The local charity are delighted to announce that Connacht Rugby’s Cian Kelleher has come on board as their official brand ambassador and he is looking forward to helping highlight the need for funding these essential services.
Speaking about his partnership with Galway Simon, Cian says it was his desire to give back to the community, as well as his personal experience that led him to support the homeless charity.
“I arrived in Galway in 2016 to play with the Connacht Rugby team and I was really blown away by the warmth of the people here. I feel really strongly now about wanting to give back to the community,” Cian said.
“When I was in school, I knew of someone who sadly slipped into homelessness and who has since passed away. This really shocked me and it’s one of the reasons I’m supporting Galway Simon Community,” he added.
To take part in one of Galway Simon’s planned sleep-outs or if you’d like to get a group together to host your own sleep-out event, get in touch with Claire on 091 381828.
For more information or to register for the Sleep Out, visit www.galwaysimon.ie.
