Galway Simon sees biggest demand in its 40-year history

Demand for the services of Galway Simon continued to grow last year, as the homelessness charity experienced the largest number of clients requiring its help in its 40-year history.

In its annual report, released this week, the charity detailed how its housing and homelessness prevention services assisted 646 households in 2019 – an increase of 17 per cent on 2018.

Just under 450 single people accessed Galway Simon services, in addition to 184 families and 14 couples across Galway City and County.

CEO of Galway Simon Karen Golden said the organisation’s focus remained on finding sustainable solutions for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

“Our prevention services support people at risk of homelessness to sustain their current accommodation or find alternative housing, and to avoid entering emergency accommodation.

“Where people do become homeless, we provide shelter in our emergency and transitional housing while providing support to clients to find pathways out of homelessness, to move into their own secure and affordable home,” said Ms Golden.

The report notes that 2019 continued on the same trend as previous years, with very slow delivery of new housing across private, affordable and social housing in Galway, resulting in a lack of secure accommodation.

Throughout the year, the number of people in emergency accommodation grew from 537 in January to 557 in December – a rise of four per cent on 2018 figures.

There were just over 3,400 households on Galway City and County Council social housing waiting lists, while just 278 social houses were built across both council areas.

The housing crisis has deepened in recent years resulting in sky-rocketing rents, with private rental units costing around 50 per cent more than they did four years ago in both the city and county – averaging at €1,309 per month in the city and €934 in the county.

In all, the charity expended almost €5.3 million in 2019, and recorded a small operational deficit of just under €15,000.

Funding was made up of a mix of statutory and grant income (61 per cent); fundraising, shops and investment (25 per cent); community employment schemes (six per cent); and service charges (seven per cent).

In all, €1.27 million was raised through donations, appeals, fundraising events, sponsorship and through Galway Simon shops in 2019, while 427 people volunteered their time and efforts.

Last year was a significant year for the charity as it marked its fortieth anniversary in October, recalling the early days of Galway Simon Community with the commencement of its Soup Run.

Well-known Galway City man Dennis Connolly served as an ambassador for the event, having been one of the very first clients supported by the Soup Run.

“It was an honour to have Dennis Connolly, who has been involved with Galway Simon Community since 1979, to support our fortieth anniversary campaign,” said Ms Golden.

While the report covers the charity’s activities in 2019, it does include some details of the challenges faced in the wake of the outbreak of Covid-19 in March, which Ms Golden said gave way to a sense of fear across the community.

“The experience of homelessness can have a profound impact on a person’s physical and mental health, and many who we support are extremely vulnerable at this time. The challenge of keeping people safe and well during the pandemic was truly daunting.

“In spite of this fear, our staff and volunteers pulled out all the stops to protect our clients. I am incredibly proud to have been part of the inspirational response of our clients, staff and volunteers to this crisis. Our services have continued to support clients every single day,” said Ms Golden.