Cobh hostel for ex-Defence Forces personnel who served their country

BRÚ na Farraige, a hostel for homeless veterans, sits along Cobh’s Harbour Row.

It is the fourth house to be established to offer those who have served in the Defence Forces a place to call home and to avail of supports.

The one in Dublin can house over 30 people, while those in Letterkenny, Athlone and Cobh can house five each.

Plans for a fifth house in St Lukes in Cork city should start soon, with a capacity to accommodate six individuals.

Approval for the Cobh hostel was given in 2020, by the board of directors of ONE (Organisation of National Ex-service personnel). The building was previously the social welfare office and so, with the aid of the Office of Public Works, a lease was obtained.

Funding was obtained through Cork City and County councils, the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces Benevolent fund, The Leopardstown Park Trust, ESB, and the International Police Association Cycling Club.

The house was opened in October, 2021, and consists of two sections. The accommodations are at one side, with the five en suite bedrooms, a kitchen, and a laundry room, while the other side houses the Veteran Support Centre, with counselling room, a communal sitting room, bathrooms, and a kitchen where the chef, ex naval cook Eddie, provides three meals per day for the residents.

They also organise remembrance services and ceremonial funerals for Defence Force members, along with working for charities locally.

The veterans support officer holds a weekly clinic where she is available for anyone that needs a chat.

This project began when members of the defence forces were finding their colleagues homeless and destitute on the streets of Dublin. They decided something needed to be done, so the first Brú na bhFiann (Home of the Brave) was established.

Cobh house manager John Lawlor, himself a veteran and a qualified psychotherapist, says they get regular enquiries from those looking for accommodation, but with the housing crisis, they are unable to offer a room.

Veterans are not immune to the housing situation, he says. Finding places for single men is difficult, and so, while the residents that are there are unable to move on, they can’t take any newcomers.

There a many reasons a member of the defence forces could find themself homeless. As well as housing issues, the the trauma of tours can take a toll on their mental health. Others find it difficult reintegrating into civilian life.

As the organisation grows, people are becoming more aware of the supports and a Support Officer will put them in touch with a hostel. Some need help with everything from pensions to therapy and all of this is provided by the office.

There is a wealth of knowledge and experience among members of the defence services and everyone is happy to offer their time. John says these men go from being destitute and lost, to recovery in a short space of time.

“Once you have a roof over your head, a hot meal, people around you that understand and are happy to help, you bounce back very quickly,” he said.

The age range of the residents in Cobh is from 60 to early 70s and this is fairly standard. Many will have served anywhere from 14 years to a lifetime career. Anyone that has served more than a year can avail of the services and all are welcome. The office is manned from 10am to noon, and 2pm to 4pm, from Monday to Friday.

There is a great camaraderie with the residents. Some have found themselves at rock bottom before seeking assistance.

The Cobh hostel is warm, welcoming and peaceful. John is rightly proud of the work they do and the new hostel in St Lukes will add to their support network.

It is estimated that the operational costs of ONE will rise to about €2million by 2026, when it marks its 75th anniversary. This reflects inflation and:

The development of five more houses similar in scale to Cobh, a total of nine across the country, with approximately 80 bedrooms.

The employment of an additional three Veteran Support Officers (Counsellors), resulting in ONE having seven nationwide.

Continuation of the pilot 24/7 Veteran Mental Health Support Scheme.

Further expansion of our Veteran Support Centres.

A National Fundraising campaign is currently being planned for the second half of 2024, to compliment the weekly fundraising that happens around the country.

If you would like to learn more about the organisation or donate, see www.one-veterans.org