CEO Noel Sherry to Sleep Rough on World Homeless Day

On October 10, 2023, the CEO of the Good Shepherd Centre, Noel Sherry, will take a bold step to raise awareness about homelessness by sleeping outside for 24 hours. This initiative coincides with World Homeless Day and is part of a campaign titled “Sleeping Out, Speaking Out — for the Homeless,” organized in collaboration with the Carlow County Development Partnership (CCDP). By stepping away from his office and onto the streets of Carlow, Sherry aims to show solidarity with those who face the harsh realities of sleeping rough or residing in temporary accommodation.

Highlighting the Homelessness Crisis

During the campaign launch held outside the JETS Centre in Carlow, Sherry emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We don’t just talk about statistics because the reality is even more stark, and the official figures never tell the full story,” he stated. He pointed out the emotional toll on families, particularly children, who are losing their pets, toys, and sense of security due to homelessness. “It’s older people, it’s children, people with disabilities — sadly no one group is exempt from homelessness,” he added.

Sherry criticized the government’s indecision, urging for rapid solutions to this growing crisis. The latest figures from the Department of Housing reveal the extent of the problem: as of now, there are 16,353 people recorded as homeless in Ireland, including 5,145 children living in emergency accommodation. Over the past year, homelessness has surged by 12.9%, with 2,391 families currently affected.

Community Support and Involvement

Sherry expressed gratitude towards local authorities, particularly Superintendent Anthony Farrell of An Garda Síochána, for their continued support of the Good Shepherd Centre’s initiatives. Annette Fox, CEO of CCDP, echoed this sentiment, stating, “At CCDP, we work with people experiencing homelessness day in and day out through our community projects and endeavours.” She highlighted the importance of the campaign in shedding light on the human impact of homelessness and the pressing need for effective solutions.

World Homeless Day aims to raise awareness globally about the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness while encouraging community involvement. The Good Shepherd Centre extends its support through various services, including emergency accommodation, transitional housing, tenancy sustainment, outreach, and resettlement services. Their message is clear: Hope is a Home.

The public is invited to contribute to this important cause by donating, volunteering, or sharing the message online using hashtags such as #HopeIsAHome, #SleepingOutSpeakingOut, and #WorldHomelessDay. Through collective efforts, the campaign seeks to inspire action and foster a deeper understanding of homelessness in communities across Ireland and beyond.