What You Can Do to Help Homeless Charities in Ireland
It’s a basic human right, yet, Focus Ireland reported an estimated 8,000 homeless people across Ireland in June 2021. Let that sink in.
8,000 people without a roof over their head or somewhere to call home. 8,000 people relying on others for food, shelter and basic essentials that many of us take for granted. 8,000 people dependent on the incredible work of support services and homeless charities in Ireland. There are many reasons for becoming homeless, and thousands of people are only one missed rent or mortgage repayment away from losing their home.
So, how can we help when the problem seems so large?
The good news is that we can all play a part in tackling this stark societal issue. Whether you’re interested in donating your time, money or starting an online homeless fundraiser, we’ve put together a guide for how you can help these charities.
Why do charities for the homeless need your help?
Everyone has suffered throughout these unprecedented, challenging times. With many jobs under threat and travel disrupted, our normal way of life has been turned on its head. At times like these, the most vulnerable in our communities can be forgotten.
As the world attempts to return to normal, new issues are constantly arising for people affected by homelessness. COVID 19 has sidelined many in-person fundraising events that have been crucial to raising funds to keep vital support services running and cover ongoing operational costs. Because of this, charities need our support more than ever before.
5 ways you can help Irish homeless charities
Wondering what you can do to help?
There are many more ways to help people experiencing homelessness beyond giving money on the street. If you want to help create change and empower the homeless charities working to help people living on the streets, we offer five practical ideas below:
1. Volunteer your time
Volunteers are at the heart of most successful homeless charities, and most organisations will welcome your on-hand assistance. While the pandemic sadly halted many in-person volunteer opportunities, charities are starting to reopen to volunteers and are developing new ways of working. Many volunteering opportunities may be more remote than they used to be but can be just as valuable as before.
Choosing a homeless charity can feel a little overwhelming, especially when there are so many worthy causes out there. It’s important to conduct some research to determine what charity is the best fit for you. The list of charities is vast; however, the following registered charities are great places to start:
Remember that every charity has a different focus. Consider how much time you can realistically commit and get in touch with your local charity to see what volunteer opportunities are available and what specific support they need.
2. Donate the necessities
Host a food or clothing drive to gather the essentials to help someone experiencing homelessness feel a little more comfortable. Ask your local homeless charity what supplies they need and consider the time of year, e.g. donating lighter clothing in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter.
According to The Dublin Simon Community, some of the most sought after supplies include:
- Waterproof sleeping bags & warm blankets
- Disposable masks & hand sanitiser
- Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo & soap.
- Shoes & socks
- Hats/Scarves/Gloves
- Thermals & raingear
3. Remember kindness
Being kind is free, and often, a kind word or gesture is worth more than some spare change. Those experiencing homelessness are often marginalised and stigmatised, and it can be a lonely and isolating experience. To show your support, let people know that they are seen. Approaching someone homeless, even to say “hello,” is a small but powerful action, particularly to someone who might feel invisible. Look them in the eye and acknowledge their existence even if you cannot spare anything.
If you would like to buy someone a meal or a warm drink, ask them what they would like. Often people will buy something out of compassion, but by taking the time to ask a homeless person what they would like, you are giving them a choice. Social interaction and support are more important than ever, but remember to maintain a respectful distance in line with social distancing guidelines.
4. Start an online fundraiser.
Fundraising is the very lifeblood of the charity and not-for-profit sectors. Unfortunately, many Irish homeless charities were forced to cancel key annual funding raising events due to the restrictions, often leading to an acute funding shortfall. With less disposable income to go around, we must rally together to look at new and engaging solutions to help supplement fundraising activities.
Virtual fundraising events are a great way to reach a wider audience and generate vital funds, whether it’s with your friends, with your club, or on your own. Some tried, and true fundraising events that typically attract high engagement include:
- Talent competitions
- Online quizzes
- Virtual sporting challenges such as sponsored cycles, hikes, marathons or swims.
- Live video gaming events
5. Sleep out to raise awareness
Swap your bed for a sleeping bag to highlight the extent of the homeless crisis in Ireland and raise vital funds for people experiencing homelessness in Ireland with a Sleepout. While sleeping out for one night could never give us the full experience of being homeless, a sleepout aims to raise awareness, start conversations, and inspire us to think about the hardships our homeless community faces every day.
Sleepouts are flexible events that can be tailored to suit each fundraiser. They can be run indoors or outdoors and are popular fundraisers among schools, corporate teams and community groups. Expand your fundraiser reach by shouting about your sleepout on social media. Link your fundraiser to your social media accounts and document your experience by sharing photos and videos throughout your sleepout.
Get inspired with these fundraisers for the homeless
Great fundraisers start with an idea, which is powered by individuals who want to make a difference. By fundraising, these individuals were able to spark change and inspire others to join in:
Jimmy Runs a Marathon for the Capuchin Day Centre
James Spratt signed up for the Belfast City Marathon in October 2021 and has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise €500 for The Capuchin Day Centre. This facility provides vital support and services to the homeless community in Dublin, including food, shelter and supplies.
Aisling’s Skydive for the Homeless
Aisling Ross took to the sky in July 2021 to raise funds and awareness for the Irish homeless charity “People Helping Homeless”. Her GoFundMe had a target of €1,150, which she hoped to use towards supplies such as sleeping bags, medical supplies and food.
Help the Homeless Sleepout
Sharon Cassidy set her sights on raising £2,000 for the Irish homeless charity “Help the Homeless” with an organised group sleepout. The money raised from the two-day sleepout was used towards much-needed supplies such as waterproof sleeping bags, tents, gloves, etc., that Sharon distributed to the homeless communities throughout Ireland.
Make a difference today
Homelessness is a complex and diverse social issue that can affect anyone at any time. Your support ensures everyone has a place to turn when they fall on hard times. When you give, you also inspire others to give. One way to encourage others to support your favourite homeless charity in Ireland is to start a charity fundraiser.