Thank you for your messages of support and understanding in these difficult and uncertain times. They are very much appreciated.
The coronavirus crisis is going to bring huge challenges to all of us in the coming weeks and months.
We’re planning and preparing for every eventuality. Our priority is to ensure the health and welfare of people using our services, our staff and volunteers – especially those who may be at risk of a more serious illness if they contract the Covid-19 virus.
We have already reconfigured some of our services to facilitate even better hygiene, infection control and social distancing. We’re making sure everyone using our services has the information they need to protect themselves and others, information that we’re continuously promoting and re-enforcing.
We’re working closely with local public health authorities, Cork City Council and others to put measures in place to deal with any potential Covid-19 cases in our services, making sure that we can react quickly, safely and proactively.
The response to-date to these measures among people using our services and among our staff and volunteer teams has been overwhelmingly positive.
As the crisis develops, we’re adapting as needs be – and will continue to do so. We’ll do our best to keep you updated.
In the meantime, we encourage you to follow government and HSE guidelines for your own protection and those around you.
The commitment and experience of our excellent staff and volunteer teams are key to working through this crisis effectively.
So too is your continuing support – we’ll need you more than we ever have over the weeks and months ahead.
The housing crisis is pushing people into homelessness and preventing people from leaving homelessness. People are staying for longer and longer in emergency accommodation because they have no other options. Rents in Cork City increased 4.8% in the last 12 months; Rent Supplement and Housing Assistance Payments do not come near asking rents.
Our Emergency Shelter is located on Anderson’s Quay, in the heart of Cork city centre. The Shelter provides care, accommodation and one-to-one support for 47 people around-the-clock, every day of the year. Demand for emergency beds is high – throughout 2018 the Shelter accommodated an average of 57 people per night – the need for emergency accommodation is so great that we try to accommodate as many people as is safe to do so.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
If you know Cork, you know that we live in a caring community. And that sense of belonging, that feeling of community, was here before all of us – and will be here long after us.
Here at Cork Simon, we are blessed that our supporters have enriched our organisation – and our community – with their generous gifts.
What we’ve achieved, with the amazing support of our donors, represents our community at its very best. Read More
July 8th, 7:58 am
Cork has clearly left its mark on Gabriel. He's been volunteering full-time with us since he arrived here from Barcelona nine months ago. It's likely his experiences supporting the men and women turning to us for help are going to stay with him for many years to come. In this, Gabriel's first video update, he describes his life-changing time to-date here in Cork. Watch our for more from Gabriel in the coming weeks.
July 7th, 5:00 pm
“I wrote this poem for one of our service users who lost his partner in life. He's feeling very lost and even more so during this pandemic."
Silvia shares the meaning behind her poem 'Lost' - the first excerpt we shared with you last week.
July 6th, 9:00 am
All those blue chips add-up - and here's the proof. Tesco's Area Community Champion, Aoife Dilworth presents a donation of €290.46 on behalf of their Midleton store to Margaret from our fundraising team.
We’re delighted to have been part of the Tesco Community Fund. Thanks to everybody who donated their blue chips in support of everyone we support. Believe in People.
July 4th, 9:00 am
You might think your coffee break is nothing special, but for someone like Frank, a cuppa and a chat can make a real difference. We need your support to help people experiencing homelessness, for whom the simple act of sharing a cuppa can help set them on a different path.
Please support Cork Simon’s Virtual Coffee Morning by inviting your family and friends for a natter and a laugh. Visit: ow.ly/Dkjo50AoMcZ #CoolBeans
July 3rd, 9:00 am
You help make it happen. Liz moved into her new home this week. She turned her life around after receiving treatment for addiction. Congratulations Liz, we're incredibly proud and beyond delighted for you. We'll update you next week on how Liz is settling in.
