December Edition 2017
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In September 2017 you will have seen these pictures on the roundabout next to the Johnstown Shopping Centre and perhaps wondered what it is all about? The posters might have gone but the problem hasn't.
#MyNameIs
#MyNameIs
We caught up with Alan Lawes, one of the local campaigners to find out more.
The 'My Name is' National Campaign was launched in August as a response to the alarming statistics that 3,000 children are currently living in emergency accommodation.
The 'My Name is' National Campaign was launched in August as a response to the alarming statistics that 3,000 children are currently living in emergency accommodation.
National Media Attention
National Media Attention
Homeless Adults 5,298
Homeless Adults 5,298
Homeless Children 3,194
Homeless Children 3,194
As most of you are aware homeless figures showed yet another increase in homelessness for both adults and children.
'The most recent figures show a record total of more than 8,492 people homeless in Ireland. Nationally there are now 5,298 adults and 3,194 children homeless meaning more than 1 in 3 people experiencing homelessness is a child. The total number of people homeless rose by 24% from October 2016 to October 2017 ' Source: Focus Ireland
While homelessness is not visible on the streets of Navan, more people are becoming homeless every day and there are growing numbers becoming homeless all over Co Meath.
Our local minister of State Damien English is on record in the Irish Times on 2nd July 2017 stating:
"The Government will be about a month late in meeting it's target to get homeless families living in Hotel's out of them."
"The Government will be about a month late in meeting it's target to get homeless families living in Hotel's out of them."
He was talking about Minister Simon Coveney's promise to get all homeless families out of Hotels by July 2017.
It's now December and over the past few months it has affected Residents of Johnstown in Navan. A local family of 5 with 4 children were told by Meath Country Council that they would be offered a B+B to stay in after the 8th October. Fortunately Public pressure extended his deadline but the reality of becoming homeless hasn't gone away.
Not only has Minister Coveney broken his promise, now our local Minister English has broken promise.
I would ask the people of Johnstown particularly and all the people of Co. Meath to join with me in contacting Minister English and demanding that he keep his promise, to ensure that not only this family but no other family should have to go into a Hotel or B+B.
His contact details are below:
Damien English
Super Junior Minister for Housing
046 9071667
I will pass on this families details to Minister English demanding action please join me.
Raising Funds.
Raising Funds.
Ashling Lowe and a group of supporters from Meath Food Bank set off from Trim to Dublin on foot to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people.
They took with them thousands of Euro worth of Lidl Food Vouchers to give to the homeless.
A lot of Meath homeless people have been exported to Dublin
A Welcome Break
A Welcome Break
North Dublin Bay Housing Crisis Community are hosting their 2nd annual Free Christmas Party for families in emergency accommodation and affected by homelessness.
We are bringing a Bus load of homeless Meath children and their parents to this Christmas Party being organised for over 500 children.
If you can help create a Christmas Shoe Box please drop it in to Alan Lawes by December 10th.
Putting a Face to the homeless Children makes this cause something you cannot ignore.
Putting a Face to the homeless Children makes this cause something you cannot ignore.
#MyNameIs
#MyNameIs
For more information:
For more information:
Read Next in Dec 17 Edition
Read Next in Dec 17 Edition
Shop for Others
Shop for Others
Meath Food Bank was set up to provide emergency food hampers to families going without.
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