'There will be death on the streets this Christmas'
“There will be death on the streets this Christmas” is the chilling warning from homeless activist Lynn Cahill, who has kickstarted an campaign to house rough sleepers for the festive period.
The new initiative is called 'Sponsor a bed for the homeless at Christmas' and is asking people to donate money that will be put towards beds in hotels and B&B's across Dublin for rough sleepers over the Christmas period.
“We are crying out for B&B's and hotels to come on board” founder of the new initiative Lynn Cahill has said.
Currently there are two B&B's in Dublin signed up to the much needed campaign, but talks are ongoing with a number of hotels and other B&B's who are considering the proposal.
Mrs Cahill, who is the founder of the organisation Cairdeas Homeless Action, has reassured the service industry that these people looking for accomodation over the festive period are “regular Joe Soaps” many of whom have “serious financial woes.”
“These people looking for accomodation have been vetted by us and do not have issues with substance abuse.
“We are very familiar with our homeless friends and we are confident these people will be respectful of the premises and not be of any trouble.”
Lynn, who was homeless herself from the age of 18-21, was inspired to get involved in helping the homeless two years ago by a friend who is also involved in charity.
Lynn is now married, with five children and is currently in full time education, studying to be a social worker.
Since launching the campaign two days ago, 30 people have come forward to be housed over Christmas, but Lynn has said there could be 150 people in need of accomodation during the festive period.
The initiative is also being sponsored by a company called insuranceworks.ie which has donated €200 and promised to foot the bill of anyone looking for accomodation who is not covered by other donations.
Anyone who would like to donate can do so by clicking here.
