TOWN’S HOMELESS AID VOLUNTEERS HIT STREETS FOR CHARITY
WITH homelessness a growing problem locally now more than ever, a large crowd took to the steps of St Peters Church last Saturday night for the annual Drogheda Homeless Aid sleepout.
Over 20 people faced the bracing cold and rain to spend the night on the steps of the church in an effort to raise both funds for the local organisation and awareness of the homeless problem in the town.
Those taking part included a number of local business people, politicians and the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Paddy Callaghan as well as members of the Solid Rock Church and the new curate in St Peter’s Parish, Fr Barry Matthews.
‘It was very well supported as always,’ said Drogheda Homeless Aid Manager Maureen Ward. ‘ We had people collecting all over town and the generosity was unbelieveable so I am hoping we will make the €60,000 target.
‘I think people get it. They know the work that needs to be done to address the crisis we are facing, particularly in the last year. We have 25 beds in the hostel and we are full to capacity nearly every night. In all the years the Homeless Aid has been in existence, this level of occupancy is unprecedented but twinned with that is the element that there is more visibility of people sleeping out on the streets of Drogheda.’
This issue was highlighted earlier this year when a 23-year-old homeless man died after he was found unconcious in Mill Lane in October.
However, Maureen was keen to point out that these situations can be complicated and, in some cases, individuals have been offered help but refuse to avail of this in many instances. ‘ We can only help those who want to help themselves,’ she said.
Ms Ward said on Monday she is meeting with local Senator Ged Nash in conjunction with a number of other homeless and addiction services. She said she is also working in conjunction with Louth County Council (LCC) on this issue.
‘We want to be as pro-active as we can, particularly in light of the death we had this year, none of us want to see another situation like that arising.’
She said the money raised each year through the sleepout makes a huge difference in helping to maintain the vital services offered by Drogheda Homeless Aid.
‘What many people don’t realise is that we don’t just provide emergency accommodation and food but also a support service and help towards independent living,’ explained Ms Ward. ‘Homelessness is complex and it takes time and coaching and support to address the variety of issues that may underly homelessness and get them back towards independent living so that is a huge part of the work that goes on behind the scenes.’