Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Kim Reinick via Shutterstock.com

Homeless charity served 57,000 meals to over 3,500 people last year

The founder of the Peter McVerry Trust has called on the government to tackle the problem of homelessness.

THE FOUNDER OF a homeless charity in Dublin has called for political intervention to tackle the problem across the country.

Peter McVerry, of the Peter McVerry Trust, was speaking as the charity launched their 2012 annual report. The report showed that over 3,500 people had availed of services from the charity, including homeless and housing support, drug treatment and under 18s residential services.

74 per cent of those using the services of the trust were aged between 18 and 35, 80 per cent of those were men and the trust served over 57,000 hot meals to those in need.

1,708 were provided with emergency housing, while 419 were provided with residential placements.

Father Peter McVerry, who founded the charity, says that he feels the problem is getting worse.

“After 30 years of working to eliminate homelessness, I believe the problem is now worse than ever, perhaps even out of control.

Homelessness is a political problem, ultimately the problem of homelessness can only be solved by providing homes for homeless people and that is the responsibility of the Government.

Read: BUMBLEance: The ambulance specially made for critically-ill kids

Read: HSE cuts €189,461 from Sunbeam House’s budget

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Paul Hosford
View 10 comments
Close
10 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds