Carraig Eden is saved!
THIRTY RESIDENTS NO LONGER FACING HOMELESSNESS AS BUILDING BOUGHT BY AUTHORITIES
THERE was huge relief in Greystones last Friday as it emerged that the residents of Carraig Eden would not be evicted.
The homes of 30 clients of Tiglin have been secured through the sale of Carraig Eden. It was announced that the owners Irish Assemblies of God accepted an offer from the Department of Housing and Wicklow County Council. Up until last week, the residents had been given until the end of July to find alternative accommodation.
Their residency in Carraig Eden was the next phase of their recovery after completing a rehabilitation programme at Tiglin.
Tiglin CEO and Greystones resident Phil Thompson said that it was great to get a positive result after expecting eviction.
‘ The clock was ticking,’ said Mr Thompson. ‘It was proving extremely difficult to secure accommodation.’
THERE was huge relief in Greystones last Friday as it emerged that the residents of Carraig Eden would not be evicted.
The homes of 30 clients of Tiglin have been secured through the sale of Carraig Eden. It was announced that the owners, Irish Assemblies of God, had accepted an offer from the Department of Housing and Wicklow County Council. Up until last week, the residents had been given until the end of July to find alternative accommodation. Their residency in Carraig Eden was the next phase of their recovery after completing a rehabilitation programme at Tiglin.
Tiglin CEO and Greystones resident Phil Thompson said that it was great to get a positive result after expecting eviction. He said that TDs Stephen Donnelly, John Brady and Minister Simon Harris had been instrumental in securing the facility.
‘ The clock was ticking,’ said Mr Thompson. ‘It was proving extremely difficult to secure accommodation. The residents were getting anxious and they were thrilled when we got the call from Wicklow County Council to say the offer had been accepted.’
He said that the stress and uncertainty of the situation could have posed a big threat to the sobriety of the men currently living at the Greystones house.
The sober living community is a safe place, where the residents have accountability and support through the community and staff.
‘All of this going on was very distracting. There was a lot of pressure. The staff were a lot busier because people were getting stressed.’
None of the residents were having much success finding accommodation, never mind with the type of support in place that they currently have. Phil said that people tend to move on naturally when they are ready. Most of the residents are currently working or doing courses and were very worried about being forcefully moved and losing that supportive com- munity.
‘Energy can be spent rebuilding their lives in the community once again,’ said Mr Thompson.
Tiglin board member, Keith Flynn said: ‘ The deal would not have come about without the hard work of our chairman, Aubrey McCarthy, and CEO, Phil Thompson, who have invested greatly on a personal level to make sure that this home was secured and that the future of this service is a bright one.’
The future of the residents was in jeopardy over the last number of months due to the sale of the building.
‘ Tiglin first tried to purchase the property over two years ago but due to an increase in the purchase price were unable to secure the necessary funds,’ said Mr Thompson.
‘Carraig Eden is such a lifeline to these men,’ said Mr McCarthy.
‘ The residents have got what they truly deserve, a home and a fresh start. Tiglin look forward to seeing this service continue and grow in Carraig Eden and we are grateful for the wonderful support that came from so many people over the past 12 months.’
‘I feel so relieved that a deal has been reached,’ said John, a resident of Carraig Eden. ‘I have a home and stability. This means the world to me and all the residents at Carraig Eden.’