Events will be held this evening to mark the 50th anniversary of the Dublin Simon Community.

Some of the charity’s founding volunteers will gather at Trinity College – where a group of students organised the charity’s first soup run in 1969.

Inspired by the original Simon Community in London the students used a shed on the college grounds to make soup and sandwiches to hand out to rough sleepers around Dublin.

Five decades later the soup run is still operating 365 days a year.

The soup run is just one of the many services the charity now delivers to address and prevent homelessness.

This evening’s commemoration will reflect on the early days of the charity and hear from clients who have been supported by the charity over the past 50 year.

Meanwhile, some of the charity’s founders will take part in a panel discussion on the changes in Ireland’s homeless landscape and charity sector over the years.

Anniversary

Dublin Simon Community CEO, Sam McGuinness said this evening’s event is an opportunity to thank the charity’s founding members.

“In the 50 years since Simon Community began it has constantly evolved to reflect the changing needs and complex issues facing those experiencing homelessness,” he said.

“By reaching out to people in their darkest and most vulnerable hours, thousands of shattered lives have been rebuilt and saved.

“This is thanks to the continuing dedication of the volunteers, staff members, donors and supporters.”

Homeless supports

Last year, the Dublin Simon Community supported almost 7,700 people and families in across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.

With the number of people accessing homeless services in Ireland now consistently over 10,000, the charity’s efforts are more important than ever.

Mr McGuinness said the charity needs the “continued support of the public and the Government to break the cycle of fear and despair for the thousands of people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.”

“Closing the door on homelessness is an achievable reality,” he said.

The charity is continuing a range of construction and redevelopment projects to deliver permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness.

It is also extending specialist treatment and health services at Ushers Island to prevent a total of 100 beds.