Spike Island ‘homeless sleepout’ hopes to help raise €1m
People are moving into a new ‘family hub’ in Cork city, as details of a homeless charity’s fundraising sleep-out on Spike Island were announced.
Focus Ireland will host the Cork element of its annual Shine A Light sleepout on the Cork Harbour island visitor attraction on October 12, as part of its nationwide campaign to raise €1m to help more families at risk of homelessness.
It hopes to encourage dozens of business people to get involved. They will be transferred from Kennedy Pier, in Cobh, to Spike Island for the night.
“By sleeping out for one night, you can help change the life of a man, woman, or child experiencing homelessness locally,” a spokesman said.
There are 10,000 homeless people in Ireland today, with children accounting for one-in-three of those accessing Focus Ireland services.
The charity said it provides 38 homes in the Cork area, but plans to treble this next year.
Focus Ireland’s Cork manager, Ger Spillane, said that there has been a 32% increase in family homelessness, and a 98% increase in youth homelessness, over the last year.
“From our South Mall office, our dedicated colleagues work with 124 people on a monthly basis, offering a variety of services, including advice and information, tenancy resettlement, and youth services,” he said.
“With 317 people homeless each night in Cork city alone, our work locally is challenging, but we are committed to finding solutions, and stable, long-term accommodation for people and families. To do this, we need the continued backing of Cork people, who have already been hugely supportive.
“Crucially, 89c of every €1 we spend goes directly back into the services we deliver.”
Spike Island manager, John Crotty, said they were delighted to support the sleep-out.
“I feel that our location lends itself to highlighting just how isolating life can be for people who are homeless, or in danger of falling into homelessness.”
Meanwhile, the new family hub — a temporary, supported accommodation facility — has been developed in a former hostel on the Western Rd. It was acquired by Cork City Council, following funding approval from the Department of Housing.
Families currently living in bed-and-breakfast or hotel accommodation have now begun moving into the 72-bed facility, which is expected to be at full occupancy within a matter of weeks. The day-to-day running of the hub is being managed by the Good Shepherd Services Ltd.
Families will be able to access a family support worker and get help identifying and accessing long-term accommodation. They will also get advice on life-skills, including budgeting, parenting, meal planning, and recreation.
Last year, Focus Ireland supported 191 people in Cork.
It provides 180 homes for men, women, and children across the south-west and mid-west of the country. And seven young people from its youth education programmes in Cork are set to start third-level at UCC and CIT next month.
