Cork Simon to sleep out for homelessness

Volunteers will wrap up tight for an overnight 'sleep out' this Friday to highlight the growing numbers of people who are homeless and sleeping rough in Cork.

The first ever Sleep Out for Cork Simon will take place tomorrow night in Elizabeth Fort just off Barrack’s Street in the heart of Cork city.

The charity is inviting the public to come along and help raise money for Cork Simon’s Emergency’s Services by sleeping out in Elizabeth Fort or by hosting their own sleep out in their community, school, or workplace.

Speaking in the lead up to the sleep out, Cork Simon CEO Dermot Kavanagh reminded the public that homelessness has a devastating effect on people’s health and wellbeing, especially over the winter months.

He said: “Homelessness is now impacting every community in Cork and beyond.

“We are very grateful to all the participants who are taking part in the Sleep Out for Cork Simon.

“The money raised will help us support a greater number of men and women in Cork who are homeless and surviving on the streets of Cork over the challenging winter months.”

According to Cork Simon, the number of people experiencing homelessness and seeking lifesaving emergency supports is increasing continuously in Cork.

A record 679 men and women were depending on emergency accommodation in Cork in August this year: an unprecedented 24% increase in just 12 months.

This number is expected to grow over the winter months. As the evenings get colder, every day is a struggle for survival for men and women who are homeless and sleeping rough.

Cork Simon’s Emergency Shelter, Outreach Team, Day Service and Nightly Soup Run all play a vital role in supporting people in Cork who are homeless.

All money raised from the Sleep Out for Cork Simon will be spent this winter, ensuring that Cork Simon can help as many homeless people in Cork as possible at what is the toughest time of the year for rough sleeping.