Focus Ireland Sligo calls for local cyclists to help end the rising homelessness crisis

CYCLING and fitness enthusiasts are being urged to sign up for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2024 and choose Focus Ireland when registering.

The Homeless charity is supporting 345 Sligo households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness chosen as a main beneficiary of iconic cycling event for first time, as homeless figures hit record levels with 13,531 people now officially homeless in Ireland

The Annual 170 km cycle will help raise vital funds to house thousands of individuals, children and families who are homeless.

The homeless and housing charity with services and housing projects across the country, has issued a compelling call for Sligo cyclists to sign up for the iconic Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle this July and help raise vital funds to end the rising homelessness crisis.

The call to action presents a unique opportunity for cycling and fitness enthusiasts from Sligo town and county to directly impact the pervasive homelessness issue currently gripping Ireland.

By rallying together for a common cause, participants can leverage their passion for cycling to effect meaningful change in their community and raise crucial funds to help support more than 13,500 people now officially homeless in Ireland.

Homeless figures have already hit record levels this year and there are more people than ever, who are homelessness or at risk of homelessness, who need help. The most recent Department of Housing report shows that 13,531 people were living in emergency accommodation in January 2024. This includes 9,504 adults; 1,940 families and 4,027 children. The report shows that the number of families who are homeless is 21% higher compared with January 2023, and the number of children who are homeless within those families is 17% higher than last year. More children are also experiencing homelessness for longer, increasing the trauma and harm that homelessness can cause.

Focus Ireland Sligo have been providing homeless and housing services for the past 16 years, and last year supported 345 households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The Sligo team consists of project workers and a dedicated fundraiser. Services provided include tenancy support and sustainment, advice and information service, long-term supported accommodation, and short-term supported accommodation.

The charity now provides over 50 homes throughout Sligo town and county through the Focus Housing Association, in close partnership with local authorities.

This year, for the first time in its 42-year history, Focus Ireland has been selected as a main beneficiary of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, in recognition of the need to address the surging homelessness crisis.

Up to 5,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the annual event and Focus Ireland is asking 1,000 of those participants to support their cause, and rise to the challenge of ending homelessness by selecting Focus Ireland as their charity of choice when registering for the 170km cycle taking place on Saturday, July 6.

Be part of the solution to ending homelessness and join 1,000-strong cycling the Ring of Kerry for Focus Ireland on July 6.

To find out more or to sign up for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle for Focus Ireland, go to: https://www.ringofkerrycycle. ie/our-charities/.