Inishowen Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray has commended North West Simon and local woman, Siobhan Friel from Burt who is taking part in a ‘street sleep’ to raise much needed support funds and create awareness of the plight of homelessness in Co Donegal.
Cllr Murray said the plight of homelessness is becoming more and more prevalent in Donegal and many people are seeking the support of the Simon Community.
“The invaluable work of North West Simon Community is invaluable to our community as a whole. So far, they have permanently housed 43 people in support housing in Letterkenny. Last year alone, some sixty individuals and families received support from the Simon Community in Donegal.
“But more people are in need of support. In order to help tackle homelessness, North West Simon has organised many events this week in conjunction with ‘Simon Week’ which is taking place nationally from Mon 1st – Sun 7th Oct.
“I want to particularly commend local woman, Siobhan Friel who is taking part in a ‘street sleep’ in Letterkenny’s Market Square on Friday night (5th).
“Siobhan, through working with HSE Addiction Services and SVP, has witnessed the dreadful circumstances that so many people in this county have found themselves in. As such, she has taken on this project in order to help those in need.”
Information on Simon Week
Here in the North West there are ample opportunities to ‘Take your Step’ for Simon locally by supporting the many events happening throughout Co. Donegal, all proceeds going to North West Simon. Events’ so far taking place include:
1-5th Oct. Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny – all proceeds of tea/coffee sales to North West Simon
Wednesday 3 Oct. Family Resource Centre, Donegal Town. Coffee morning 11am – 1pm
Thursday 4th October. Kelly’s Restaurant Mountaintop, Letterekenny. Coffee morning 9am-12
Also a bag pack in Dunnes Stores, Forte Shopping Centre, Letterkenny 11am – 7pm
Friday 5th October. Food for Thought (beside Lidl) Buncrana. Coffee morning 10.30am – 1.30pm
also the annual sponsored sleep out takes place later in the evening on the Market Square Letterkenny from 10pm – 6am.
Saturday 6th October. Kelly’s Centra Mountaintop Car Wash 10am – 5pm or why not drop into Foody’s Deli in Donegal Town for a tea/coffee – all proceeds to North West Simon
North West Simon Community is a not for profit organisation working with those at risk of homelessness in counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo. So far 43 people have been housed permanently in supported housing Letterkenny by North West Simon Community. Many had experienced homelessness or came from poor standard, unsafe or overcrowded accommodation. In 2011 through our tenancy sustainment programme we prevented homelessness for 40 people and their families in counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo. Already in 2012 there is a greater demand than ever for our service and this figure has risen to 75. For many people we are their last resort and they rely on us for support.
It is still not too late to ‘take your step’ for Simon, host a coffee morning, organise a fundraising event, take part in the annual street sleep, sponsor a volunteer or volunteer for the many events to help raise much needed funds.
For more information about how you can get involved, please contact Collette on M: 087 7708865 or E: donegalfundraising@northwestsimon.ie.
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