Focus Ireland send open letter to businesses

A homeless charity is calling on Cork business leaders to unite to help end the nation’s homelessness crisis.

Focus Ireland has issued an open letter signed by its CEO Pat Dennigan to the heads of all Irish business organisations.

It asks them to “use their resources and innovative capabilities” to make a practical impact on Ireland’s housing and homelessness issue, and to lead by example this 11 October for Shine A Light, by taking part in a sleep out.

The latest Department of Housing report shows that 14,303 people are currently accessing emergency accommodation, including 2,093 families and 4,404 children. In the Southwest region there are currently 101 families and 184 children accessing emergency accommodation.

Mr Dennigan said: “Sleeping out for one night is not the same as experiencing homelessness but it is a chance for people to show they care and stand in solidarity with over 14,303 people now homeless in Ireland.

In the letter to business leaders, Mr Dennigan said homelessness is “one of the most pressing social issues facing Ireland today,” describing the most recent homelessness figures as “heartbreaking”.

He highlighted that despite Ireland’s current economic prosperity, homelessness is now higher than at any point in recent history. Business leaders are being asked to sign up for an official Shine A Light sleep out fundraising event in TU Dublin, Grangegorman or Cork City Gaol, and to ask a colleague or peer to join them.

Businesses are also encouraged to organise a Workplace Sleep Out on their own premises for employees. Meta and John Sisk & Son were among the first to pledge support with companies from all sectors across Ireland expected to follow suit over the coming weeks.

“By shining a light on this critical issue and raising vital funds to help take more people out of homelessness, together we can help reassure people experiencing homelessness that they are not forgotten,” Mr Dennigan said.

The event is supported by Bord Gáis Energy. Speaking about the call for the business community to shine a light on the issue and take action to help end homelessness, Dave Kirwan, Managing Director, Bord Gáis Energy, said: “As business leaders, I believe our responsibility goes beyond our corporate walls to the communities we serve. I encourage CEOs, managing directors and senior executives to join me in the annual Shine A Light Business Leader Sleep Out on 11 October.

"It’s not just about stepping outside our comfort zone for a night, it’s about raising vital funds for Focus Ireland, who are providing workable solutions to the problem. It’s also an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with colleagues and peers about this critical issue.”

He added: "By participating in Shine A Light, we can amplify our collective voice and influence, take our own practical action to help, and contribute to creating a fairer future for all.

“It has been our privilege to support Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light event since 2018. We cannot stress enough the importance of Focus Ireland’s work tackling homelessness.”