Drogheda Homeless Aid’s annual Christmas Sleepout is to be held on Saturday 2nd December and the hostel manager Tracy McAuley has asked the young people of Drogheda to get involved in the fundraising effort.
The organisation, which has been aiding homeless people since the 1980s, is in need of funds and is depending on the generosity of local people, companies and organisations to help keep its doors open.
It was unable to hold its sleepout – a major part of its fundraising drive – in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 outbreak and this put a large dent in its resources.
It is only because of the generous support of local people, along with Louth County Council, Meath County Council and the HSE that it is able to keep its doors open and provide a service to people who find themselves without a roof over their heads.
Of course, the organisation does not stand still and it has been able to increase the number of beds from 22 last year to 27 following negotiations with the Councils. The housing crisis has put increased pressure on non-government organisations and the hostel services are at straining point.
Ms McAuley said that Drogheda Homeless Aid offers a “low threshold service” which means that its doors are open to as many people it can fit in.
“Although there is a policy that people must be referred to us by the County Councils, there is no way we would turn anyone away who is in need. If people need to come in and have a shower and a hot meal we will facilitate that without a problem”, she said.
There are stresses and strains in keeping the hostel going, but the 36 staff – 16 employed by Drogheda Homeless Aid and 20 CE staff – have their spirits buoyed by the number of people who turn up with donations of clothing, food and other essentials.
The organisation also runs a Meals on Wheels service, serving up to 60 people in the area every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This great service was run for many years by Drogheda Rotary Club and Dha is now carrying on the great tradition.
Besides its hostel at North Strand, Drogheda Homeless Aid also has a number of transitional houses in Drogheda and in Co Meath. Ms McAuley said that the organisation runs a wide range of services and is also multicultural. “Our door is open to people who need us”.
“We know that young people are very idealistic and want to help organisations like ours. That’s why the schools are important to us and if anyone wants to set up special projects then we are open to ideas”.
The sleepout on 2nd December, coordinated by Drogheda Homeless Aid staff member and fundraising coordinator Rachael Thompson and Tracy McAuley, will involve personalities sleeping out in West Street and bucket collections will take place on the street. Drogheda’s ‘Relentless’ MMA hero Ciaran Clarke will be helping out in the fundraising effort.
Drogheda Homeless Aid Chairperson, Rev Iain Jamieson, said that the generosity of the Drogheda people was unsurpassed and he hoped that they would show similar generosity this Christmas.
Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Drogheda Homeless Aid on (041) 983 4492.
