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This week, we launched our 2016 Annual Report as part of our AGM which took place on Monday 29th May.
At the AGM, we reflected on 2016 where our efforts throughout the year were focused on extending our reach, seeking ongoing support from the public and securing increased funding.
Maureen Lynch, Chairperson of Galway Simon Community, noted the need for more social housing and private affordable housing stock. She placed special emphasis on the work of our Community Support Service and Ballinasloe Resource Centre who prevented 219 households from becoming homeless in 2016.
“Thankfully, the support we received from the community and our funders allowed us respond to the increased demand for our services. We supported 622 households throughout the year, an increase of 70% compared to 2015” said Maureen.
We opened our Youth Service towards the end of 2016 which works with young adults between 18 and 25 to prevent them from falling into the cycle of homelessness. “Our Youth Service helps young adults to stay out of homelessness and it also has 4 two-bedroom apartments which we officially opened in December, just in time for 8 young people to have a home over the Christmas period”, Maureen added.
Bill Griffin, CEO of Galway Simon, concluded the AGM by focusing on the contribution made by volunteers to the organisation. “In a society that often knows the cost of everything but the value of very little, volunteers bring the gift of their time, skills and life experience which cannot be measured in monetary terms only” Bill said.
The annual report overviews Galway Simon’s activities and developments throughout 2016, including details about our services, fundraising, volunteering and finances. Download the annual report below.