Homelessness is a grave violation of human rights that demands resolute action. Those experiencing homelessness endure social exclusion, poverty, and often face insurmountable barriers to accessing education, job opportunities, and essential mental and physical healthcare. In an effort to spotlight the issue of homelessness in Ireland, more than a thousand individuals are joining together for a night of solidarity on October 13th, sleeping outside across the country.
An Escalating Homelessness Challenge
Homelessness is a global issue that transcends age, affecting people from all walks of life. On October 10th, communities worldwide observed World Homelessness Day, a significant date falling within UN Habitat’s Urban October—a month dedicated to highlighting the challenges and prospects shaped by the rapid urban transformations in our cities and towns. Among these urban challenges, homelessness remains a pressing concern.
In Ireland, the homelessness crisis has been steadily worsening over the past year, according to Jesse Wiesblatt, Head of Campaigns at Focus Ireland, an organization providing homeless services and housing projects throughout the country.
“At this moment, Ireland grapples with 12,691 homeless individuals, including 1,886 families and 3,895 children, whose lives are held in abeyance,” notes Jesse Wiesblatt, underscoring that the lifting of a ban on no-fault evictions has further exacerbated the situation in the nation.
Taking a Stand in Solidarity
As the demand for their services reaches an all-time high, Focus Ireland is issuing a call to action, urging people across Ireland to contribute to fundraising efforts and drive change by participating in a ‘Shine A Light’ campaign event, where they will sleep out against homelessness.
“The critical work carried out by Focus Ireland in supporting homeless families is indispensable, but it cannot be accomplished in isolation. We need the collective efforts of individuals determined to make a tangible difference,” emphasizes Jesse Wiesblatt.
The campaign invites leaders in the business world, corporations, educational institutions, and members of the community, including sports and youth clubs, to step outside their comfort zones and spend one night sleeping out against homelessness on October 13th. The overarching goal is to secure vital funds for Focus Ireland’s homeless services and to express unwavering solidarity with the thousands of individuals, families, and children grappling with homelessness in Ireland.
