Public asked to give up their beds for one night to help those who don’t have one
Galway Simon Community is inviting everyone – individuals, families, schools, companies and clubs – to give up their bed for one night on Friday, October 3, with one purpose…to change the lives of those facing homelessness across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
Because by raising funds and awareness, you are ensuring vulnerable people in our community have a safe place to sleep every night and receive the wraparound supports they may need to leave homelessness behind them for good.
Galway Simon invites you to grab your warmest sleeping bag, get your flasks of tea and hot chocolate at the ready and organise a Sleep Out.
Be it in your back garden, at your local pitch or your office car park, you can unite with hundreds of people across the West in the fight against homelessness.
And if you can’t sleep out on the night you can still show your support by donating to the Sleep Out for Simon at www.galwaysimon.ie/sleep
Fintan Maher of Galway Simon Community explained why they are calling on the community to come together and raise funds for those living with the threat of homelessness.
“The fear and trauma of having nowhere to sleep is a stark reality for an ever-increasing number of people right across our community,” he said.
“Homelessness is affecting all demographics: young, old, singles, families, unemployed, employed- all under extreme pressure and being left with nowhere to call home.
“We are asking for the help of our community so that we can continue delivering the support needed to protect the most vulnerable in our society from the threat of homelessness,” he added.
And the problem is getting worse; last year Simon supported 1,127 households across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
“Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful communities, we were able to support 276 families, including 579 children,” said Fintan.
“The number of people contacting our services for assistance continues to rise across the West. The vital funds raised through Sleep Out for Simon ensures that we can continue to be there for those seeking our assistance for as long as they need us.” Fintan added.
This year Simon has set a target of raising €100,000 from the Sleep Out for Simon. 100% of proceeds will go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon – including their community support, youth, women and family services, ensuring the charity can safeguard these essential community services and support those in need.
To register for the Sleep Out for Simon today, visit www.galwaysimon.ie/sleep.
Pictured: Fintan Maher (far left) and a team of Simon volunteers launching this year’s Sleep Out for Simon.