IN MAY LUMIERE CHARITY EXPRESSED CONCERN FOR THE HOMELESS WHEN WINTER CAME. [1] Now the winter is here, and worst fears have been realised. The deaths have begun. [2]
Two Desperate figures huddled in a doorway, counting the coins begged during the day. The rain had soaked through their clothing, and they looked hungry, cold and scared. They had a part of the funds needed for the night; a tenner gave both of them the balance they needed for a warm hostel for the night, a hot bath, clean dry sheets and duvet, and a breakfast in the morning with hot tea or coffee. Two more people live another night in Dublin and won't be found dead in the morning.
Number Of Homeless Rise
The numbers of homeless in Ireland continue to increase. Professional people living in hostels and in cars, unable to afford the rents which have outstripped their increasingly depleted incomes. Senior citizens, some with medical conditions, unable to afford a home of their own and with no family to care for them. Families with children leaving their homes, the mortgage of which they no longer can afford. The childrens' schooling becoming affected. The pregnant mothers with no home for their little ones or the coming infant.
To eat or not to eat?
Desperate decisions are being daily taken all over Ireland; literally, either to pay for a night's shelter or for a meal. Sometimes it's one, sometimes it's the other. Many of the homeless are now operating free food boxes. This means that if a homeless person has bought rice with whatever funding he or she has managed to procure, the unused rice is left in a clean dry box for anyone else with no home or food to use. The same with bread, olive oil, pasta, spaghetti, herbs, sunflower oil, teabags, coffee, fruit, vegetables, tinned foods.
It is noticeable that the homeless who have managed to earn a bit more by begging, their work income or assistance from others, buy more than they need for their meal; and leave the balance in the box. Which quietly disappears - as needed, no one takes more than necessary - allowing those in need to keep their dignity and stay alive for another day.
Chest Infections
The rain and winter cold is causing many chest infections. Those who are ill are unable to afford cough mixture, cough lozenges, hot water bottles to keep out the cold, cold and flu medications, or a visit to a GP for antibiotics as needed. Or indeed a meal, or water to drink. These necessities for life, including food and shelter, are desperately needed on the streets.
Wolfe Tone Quay
20 Bed Shelter is available on Wolfe Tone Quay courtesy of the luminous Dublin Civil Defence, and will stay open throughout Christmas, according to report [3].
Emergency Homeless Accomodation Dublin City Centre
His Excellency Archbishop Diurmuid Martin has apprised that a Diocesan Property is being made available for Emergency Homeless Accomodation in Dublin City Centre, according to report [4].
Perhaps Divine Providence has led you to read these words.
In the spirit of Lumiere, is there anything you can do to help?
[1] Ireland; The Human Face of Homelessness
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2014/05/breaking-news-ireland-human-face-of.html
[2] Homeless man found dead Alleged News
http://www.thejournal.ie/man-found-dead-leinster-house-1808865-Dec2014/
[3] 20 Bed Shelter Alleged News
http://www.thejournal.ie/emergency-beds-dublin-civil-defence-1831368-Dec2014/
[4] Archbishop opens Diocesan Doors to help the Homeless People of Dublin
http://www.thecatholicuniverse.com/archbishop-opens-diocesan-doors-help-homeless-5191
Facts and Figures; Peter McVerry Trust
http://www.pmvtrust.ie/news-media/facts-and-figures/
Latest News Peter McVerry Trust
http://www.pmvtrust.ie/category/latest-news/
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