Sa Bhaile homeless project ends as funding is redirected

THE Sa Bhaile project, which helped homeless people get into housing, has ceased to exist.

Cllr Joe Behan raised the matter at last week’s meeting of Bray Municipal District.

‘Sa Bhaile finished at the end of the month,’ said Cllr Behan. He said that it had been a magnificent organisation which did so much to help people in need. ‘It’s a very sad day,’ he said.

Cllr Behan paid tribute to coordinator Nicola Jones, and a committee of volunteers, chaired by former councillor John Byrne.

Members heard at a special meeting called by Cllr Behan last May that funding was being withdrawn due to redirection of council resources.

The council introduced the Homeless HAP and placement officer which they said would fill the function of Sa Bhaile.

Members had condemned the decision and asked the council to reconsider.

The council granted €40,000 to the organisation last year, and a further €20,000 in 2018. Council officials did suggest that the organisation could apply for the Sustained Living Initiative Tender. Sa Bhaile could not do so, as it will not exist without funding.

Members all agreed that the knowledge and expertise of Sa Bhaile would leave the county sorely lacking in terms of tackling homelessness.

Sa Bhaile was formed in 2009 after a parishioner left money to combat homelessness. Its functions have included helping with rental deposits, finding places for people to live, and providing supports to help find permanent accommodation for homeless people. It has helped over 300 homeless people.

The organisation has spent over €300,000, with €100,000 of that from council funding and the remainder from its own resources.