Dublin Simon launches homeless support service

A new one-to-one support service for the homeless could cut the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin by 20 per cent over two years, it was claimed yesterday.

The initiative, to be launched by the Dublin Simon Community in early 2006, aims to help people who have moved into private rented or council housing, and advise them on money management, health and addiction problems. Dublin Simon made the announcement as it celebrated its pilot housing project in Ranelagh with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Catherine Byrne.

The Canal Road complex houses 19 homeless men and women in self-catering apartments. For some of its residents, this is their first Christmas off the streets for more than 10 years.

The mayor said the scheme demonstrated how the homeless could improve their own lot if given the chance.

"I know there's a lot of apprehension in communities about places like this, but I think people should be open to them because they're the way forward.

"There are a lot of people living out there on the streets and they need to be brought back into society, and I think this is a step forward. In the long run it benefits everybody."

The director of Dublin Simon, Sam McGuinness, warned there was a long way to go.

"The value of the Canal Road service is clear to see . . . However, at Dublin Simon we have found 2005 a difficult year in placing people who are homeless, and there is still a long way to go in terms of creating stable accommodation for people who still rely on emergency shelters or sleep rough," he said.

"We expect that this service will have a big impact on homelessness. It could reduce the numbers of people who are homeless in Dublin by 20 per cent over two years."

One resident, Ben Mullane (60) said the Canal Road scheme restored his autonomy after being homeless for seven years.

"I was lucky enough to get here, and it's great. The staff, the residents, you couldn't meet finer people anywhere. My grandchild can come and visit me here - you're not curtailed. It makes you feel human. In the last [ hostel] I was in, you had to be in before 11pm or they locked you out. Here you come and go as you please."

This will be Mr Mullane's second Christmas at the Simon House. "Am I looking forward to it? No, it makes me a bit sad. I was married for 16 years, I had three children. Then everything blew up. Life, it's a quare old game."