Simon mark 50 years

“This is home. This is safety. I wonder to myself, if I hadn’t moved here, where would I be? I’d still be on the streets.”

Cork Simon resident of 5 years Tammy Twomey has today, Thursday, launched the housing and homeless charity’s Annual Impact Report for 2021, marking its 50th anniversary. Last year, 69 people, the highest number since the charity was established, moved from homelessness to secure, affordable, supported and independent housing. Reflecting on her time living at one of Cork Simon’s high-support houses, Tammy says she never thought she’d have a home.

“I never thought I deserved a home. I never thought I deserved education, friends. Back then, I didn’t believe in myself. Coming here, it took me a year to settle, realising I’m not on my own,” recalls Tammy.

“They supported me in everything I needed help with. I went back to education. I learned how to read and write. I’ve done every class out there. When you complete something you never thought you could, it gives you hope. Simon gave me life in knowing you’re not on your own. I couldn’t be any more grateful.” Of the 69 moves out of homelessness made possible by Cork Simon last year, 8 were a result of the completion of renovation works at St Joachim and Anne’s on Anglesea Street. The 19th century building was sensitively converted into 8 independent-living flats for people moving on from homeless.

Dermot Kavanagh, Cork Simon CEO, said: “These 8 homes represent hope and new beginnings. They provide the safe and secure base that is vital for people to begin addressing the traumas and stresses they have experienced and to start rebuilding their lives.”

As the charity marks its 50th anniversary, it has sought planning permission for a 78 unit apartment complex at Railway Street in the city centre, Cork Simon’s biggest housing project to-date. Planning permission was subsequently approved earlier this year.

Anthony O’Donovan, Chair of Cork Simon’s voluntary Board of Directors, said: “This development aligns seamlessly with our focus on creating permanent solutions to end the homelessness crisis.

“It will bring people directly out of homelessness, but also people that have a need for housing that are at risk of falling into homelessness will be accommodated in this development,” added Mr O’Donovan.

While 2021 had a positive outcome for many experiencing homelessness in Cork, Dermot Kavanagh sounded a note of caution heading into the winter months. “With increasing cost-of-living pressures and continuing challenges in the housing market, more and more people will find themselves on the edge of homelessness.

“Our emergency shelter is full to capacity and while additional emergency accommodation is needed in the interim, an adequate supply of social and affordable housing is ultimately and urgently needed so that more people, who are where Tammy once was, can also have the opportunity to regain their lives.”

Cork Simon Annual Impact eReport is available to view at corksimon.ie.