Sonas to become a homeless hub

THE building in Wicklow town which currently houses Sonas will become a hub for homeless families once the domestic violence charity phases out its support service.

In July Sonas announced that it would be phasing out the service provided to women and children experiencing domestic abuse by early to mid-2019. The service first opened five years ago and the building was provided to Sonas through a local authority CAS mortgage so the building reverts back to Wicklow County Council.

It was confirmed at Monday’s meeting of Wicklow County Council that the building will become a homeless family hub once Sonas move out.

Cllr Joe Behan said: ‘The homeless hub is to be welcomed but with that change of status, we will lose our women’s refuge. Now there will only be one operating in Bray. We need to look into establishing a second, or maybe even a third refuge for women suffering from physical abuse. We need additional facilities’.

Chief Executive Frank Curran said he was pleased the building would remain in use and agreed to look into what other services could be provided for victims of domestic abuse.