DUBLIN SIMON SAYS its shelters are ‘good neighbours’ after businesses in Dublin objected to the opening of a new homeless hostel in the South Georgian Quarter of the city.
Sam McGuinness from the Simon Community told TheJournal.ie that businesses shouldn’t be concerned about the charities ability to work with people.
It comes after The Sunday Times reported that more than 25 businesses made submissions to Dublin City Council objecting over the proposed site of a homeless shelter run by Dublin Simon.
The charity’s hostel on Harcourt Street is no longer fit for purpose and the building on Fitzwilliam Street which is owned by Dublin City Council has been earmarked as a replacement.
McGuinness added that Dublin Simon has operated out of a shelter on Harcourt Street for the past 12 years and that it has a great neighbourhood focus.
We’re in the middle of a large tourist area and there’s lots of office buildings and we are good neighbours.
“We have a neighbourhood policy inside the building and outside- we keeping in touch with neighbours and with the community.
If people have objections we can sit and talk to them and address their concerns. We are used to dealing with people’s concerns and are well able to put people’s minds at ease.
“We’re delighted to be able to look at this site as a suitable move, as far as I’m concerned it’s a great place to move to.”
The site is close to where the body of homeless man, Jonathan Corrie, was found earlier this month.
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