In a week where the agency opened a temporary cold weather shelter in a bid to ensure no one has to sleep rough over the Christmas period, Cork Simon’s Director said that it is stretched to the limit and raised concerns that  current resources for homeless services in Cork will not be adequate in meeting a growing need going into the new year.

Ms Kelleher outlined how the Cork Simon Community had to turn away as many people as they accommodated in their emergency shelter this year and that there are more people than ever before using our Day Centre. “We’re seeing more  and more people staying long-term in emergency accommodation because there’s nowhere else for them  to go.  We’re facing serious challenges in our efforts to reach out to everyone who needs our support,” she said.

The Cork Simon Director went on to say that their current funding levels mean they’re barely running to stand still. She said that the challenge now is to capitalise  on the progress they have made to date so that they can help deliver Government commitments to end rough  sleeping and long-term stays in emergency accommodation by 2010. 

Collette Kelleher said that while she welcomed the Government’s commitment in the recent budget to protect vulnerable people, that the onus is now on the Government to honour their commitments, match the tremendous  commitment and goodwill here in Cork and build on the excellent progress that Cork Simon has made to date. “We’re  doing our bit; it’s up to the Government to help us take the next steps.” 

The newly opened Temporary Cold Weather Shelter is being jointly operated by Cork Simon and St. Vincent de Paul with support from Cork City Council.  Frinailla Developments, a Cork based property development  company, is making the city centre premises available again this year.

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