As we come to the end of 2019, I want to express my sincere thanks to you for standing with Galway Simon to help close the door on homelessness for those in our community.
Reflecting back on 2019, it has been a year marked by a lot of change and unfortunately a further growth in homelessness in the West. This year we have seen a 50% increase in the number of families we are supporting and a 40% increase in the number of children. In total, we have supported 618 households, representing 1,160 adults and children locally to the end of November.
With your support, we have been doing everything we can to help those turning to us in a time of need. We have increased capacity in our Homelessness Prevention Services across Galway city and county, and plan to expand our Prevention Services further into Mayo in the New Year. We have also acquired 12 new community houses this year to provide homes for some of those we support.
We would not have been able to provide help to so many people without the amazing support we receive from our wider community, and we are so grateful for this. It is heart-warming to see how dedicated people are to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, in our region.
On behalf of all of us here at Galway Simon – clients, staff, volunteers and board members – we wish you a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas.
Mile buíochas as ucht do thacaíocht.
Karen Golden,
CEO