Charity helped with moving 71 men and women into secure housing last year

CORK Simon Community helped 71 men and women move from homelessness to secure and affordable, supported and independent housing in 2022, according to its latest report.

Its CEO, Dermot Kavanagh, says the housing and homeless charity is supporting 204 formerly homeless people in housing with visiting support across Cork and Kerry, as well as 46 people living in high-support housing with round-the-clock care.

Declan, a former rough sleeper, is now living in one of Cork Simon Community’s high-support houses, and he says that the lack of security and safety on the streets meant he could never sleep soundly.

He says that the contrast between his experience on the streets and now having a safe place to live could not be more stark.

“Luckily, now, the lads in the house I’m based in look after me 24/7. They’re unbelievable.”

Declan says Cork Simon Community gave him great opportunities to retrain and upskill and to find a pathway out of homelessness.

“They gave me an unbelievable amount of courses to do to help me better myself and to find work. They were always there, always encouraging me.”

Declan says his life has changed so much since he left homelessness that he has new-found ambitions.

“Get back working is a must …all I need in life is my health …and a roof over my head. That’s all I ask for.”

Outlining details of the numbers of people supported by the charity, Mr Kavanagh said: “We need to keep that momentum going”.

He added: “Homelessness is continuing to increase. We’re working closely with the local authorities and HSE to respond, but we could do nothing without the generosity of our donors.

“Together, we’ve saved lives and changed lives throughout three of the toughest years we’ve experienced.”