Though the government feels pressure to reduce spending, many believe it has a duty to provide new housing for those in need.
Where the government is falling short, other organizations are stepping up to help the homeless. Walking around Dublin, you can see charity shops on almost every street corner. These shops sell donated, second-hand items, and they use the proceeds to help the homeless community. Two organizations in particular, Focus Ireland and the Dublin Simon Community, run charity shops where I've picked up items for myself during my time in Dublin. By promising that your money will go to a good cause, these shops offer an appealing way to shop guilt-free and buy items at low prices.
Behind their storefronts, how do Focus Ireland and the Simon Community actually help the homeless? First, on their website, Focus Ireland provides important information about the numbers and causes of homelessness. They also publish the personal stories of homeless people in Dublin, raising awareness about what it's like to live on the streets. Even more importantly, in 2018, Focus Ireland used 89 percent of the money it received to support over 15,500 homeless people, help hundreds avoid losing their homes and access educational resources, and provide thousands with advice. Meanwhile, last year, the Simon Community supported 7,600 Irish individuals and families through times of illness and other health issues. Reading the stories of individuals helped by Focus Ireland and the Simon Community, you can see that these organizations are really making a difference.
