World record from homeless focus
Sligo Grammar School has taken its place in history as Guinness World Record holders for creating the largest house in the world made out of humans in aid of homeless charity, Focus Ireland.
The ‘Human House’ initiative was driven by the school’s business and transition year students as they wanted to do something to help highlight the housing and homelessness crisis. They got the entire school and local community involved to back their idea and raised €2500 for the charity.
Business teacher Fidelma Lipsett said: “A total of 402 students and teachers came together to stand in solidarity with those who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
“The initiative enabled the students to develop their social, entrepreneurial and organisational skills while also raising funds for a great cause.
“The housing and homeless crisis affects everyone in society and Focus Ireland has been in Sligo for over 10 years.
“Their hard work has helped hundreds of families and individuals to move from homelessness in that time and prevented many from losing their home in the first place.”
Mary Jameson Sligo Services Project Leader said: “The amazing support that Sligo Grammar School and their students have given us is hugely appreciated.
“Sadly, the homeless crisis gets worse every year and now as we are entering the winter season it is the most difficult time of year for those that are homeless or worried about losing their home.
“Every eight hours a family now becomes homeless in Ireland.”
Focus Ireland reported re- cently that it has seen an increase in numbers using the service in Sligo with 169 households having used the service already this year in comparison with the same period in 2017 which saw the service work with 123 households.
Focus Ireland has reacted to the growing needs in County Sligo by opening a new Advice and Information Clinic which started in October at Teach Laighne This is an extension of clinics both in Sligo John Street, at Focus Ireland’s main office and in the Northside Community Centre which runs on Tuesday mornings.
This has been made possible thanks to members of the public who support the work of Focus Ireland through donations and events to raise funds such as the world record by Sligo Grammar School. Ms. Jameson said: “In the last couple of years we have seen unprecedented demands on our services locally with many complex queries, and our work locally is made possible thanks to our committed staff, and the support of the wider community across County Sligo for which we are always so grateful.”