Cork's Fintan McCarthy backs Focus Ireland's ‘Children Can’t Wait’ campaign 

Focus Ireland has revealed that 562 people in Cork will spend Christmas this year in emergency accommodation.

The charity has issued an urgent appeal for donations, as record numbers of children, families, and individuals across the country face into the festive season without a home.

According to figures released by the Department of Housing, 207 children in the Southwest region will be among the 4,645 children nationwide who will be homeless this Christmas.

Focus Ireland further revealed that the organisation has supported 42 families in Cork throughout 2024.

The new appeal, entitled ‘Children Can’t Wait’, backed by Cork’s double Olympic gold-medalist Fintan McCarthy, seeks to rally support for those affected by homelessness and to raise awareness of the urgent need for safe, stable housing.

“It’s shocking to know that more than 4,500 children will be homeless in Ireland this Christmas,” said Mr McCarthy.

“It’s a situation that simply shouldn’t exist — I believe every child deserves a home, so that’s why I’m supporting Focus Ireland in their mission to end homelessness. 

“The solution to homelessness is a secure home for good, not just shelter for a night.”

The campaign aims to raise €1.3m for homelessness services, and comes at a crucial time as emergency accommodation across Ireland is now reaching capacity, with many families experiencing the distressing reality of ‘hidden homelessness’.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “We believe that every child deserves a place to call home, especially during Christmas.

“The latest Department of Housing report shows that homelessness has risen by 47% since the last general election in February 2020, with a 34% increase in family homelessness and a 31% increase in child homelessness.

“We now have almost 15,000 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland — it’s a number that should make us stop and think, but it’s also a number that inspires us to act.”

To donate or to find out more about Focus Ireland’s Christmas appeal, visit: www.focusireland.ie.