New hub to help homeless opens in Cork city

A new community hub aimed at supporting the homeless and vulnerable people of Cork has opened on Kyrl’s Quay.

Located near the Supermac’s building at the former North Main St carpark, the hub will help to provide hot meals, refreshments and a friendly space for anyone that is in need, along with facilities including seating and charging points.

Primarily aimed at people sleeping rough, organisers including the Kindness Krew, a volunteer group in Cork city dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability, are keen to stress that the hub is also open to all.

This is including the elderly, isolated and vulnerable members of the community.

The hub will ensure that Cork’s most vulnerable residents have a warm and safe place to turn to, especially during the winter months.

Jade Millar from Kindness Krew told The Echo that the new community hub will make a very big impact to the lives of many people.

“Our service users now can come into a building, where they are not going to be soaking wet eating their dinner.

“They can sit down and enjoy eating their dinner, have a cup of tea, hot chocolate or charge their phone.

“It is just brilliant. We are actually really emotional because we have for so long been outside the Savoy looking after them. Now we have a building so it is just amazing.”

Dave O’Brien, president of Cork Business Association, said that the new community hub will make a significant difference.

“Cork Business Association welcomes the opening of the new community hub, providing a warm, safe, and welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability in our city. From a business perspective, bringing these vital services together in a dedicated hub is a positive and practical step.

“Previously, supports were dispersed across very visible streets at night. This new approach improves the night time environment while ensuring people in need are cared for in a more appropriate, dignified and welcoming setting.”