The Simon Communities are launching a new campaign to mark its 50th anniversary.
The 'Closing the Door on Homelessness' campaign aims to tell the stories of the people the charity has supported since it began its work in 1969.
Last year alone, the charity moved 2,400 people out of homelessness and over the coming weeks, Simon Communities' clients will be outlining what it was like to know the safety and security of being able to close their own front door behind them.
Today we’re launching our #ClosingDoors on Homelessness campaign for our 50th anniversary. Learn more here: https://t.co/PDxL7obTFd pic.twitter.com/YuBsryCZGH
— Dublin Simon (@Dublin_Simon) August 1, 2019
Dublin Simon Community CEO Sam McGuinness said the charity needs the public's continued support to provide hope to those less fortunate.
"Over the past 50 years, Simon has served people fighting for survival and robbed of dignity," he said.
"They were homeless, roofless and isolated and needed nourishment, shelter, acceptance and respect.
"Because of the commitment of volunteers, staff, supporters, funders and members of the public, in the months, years and decades that passed, thousands of shattered lives have been rebuilt and saved.
"People are depending on us nationally and it is because of all our work that we can support people to get back on their feet, to rebuild their lives with Simon by their side.
"We need the public’s continued help and support."
To mark 50 years since the Simon Community’s foundation in Ireland in 1969, our #ClosingDoors campaign will be sharing the stories of people it has supported to close the door on homelessness pic.twitter.com/Qot5DWD8jR
— Dublin Simon (@Dublin_Simon) August 1, 2019
Michael from Dublin suffered from alcohol addiction and was in and out of homelessness for over 30 years - but has now received the keys to his own home.
"There is no such thing as a hopeless case," he said.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel for anyone that wants it. But it is very important that they do it for themselves.
"If you do it for yourself, your family will come back to you. Everything in your life will come back to you. Your peace of mind will come back, your stability - everything in life will come back."
The campaign will be running media adverts over the coming weeks in a bid to raise awareness of what it is like to take that final step out of homelessness and into a new home.
Creative, media and public relations agencies involved in the campaign donated their services for free.
