Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there homeless people in the Midlands?
A. Yes homelessness does exist in the Midlands. Although it is not as visible as in the major urban areas, there is still a significant and growing issue in the Midlands. Since Midlands Simon Community established its first service in 2005, over 1200 people have been supported by the organisation. Over one third of those supported by Midlands Simon Community are families. So yes, just because you may not see people sleeping on the streets in the Midlands does not mean it does not exist.
A. Yes homelessness does exist in the Midlands. Although it is not as visible as in the major urban areas, there is still a significant and growing issue in the Midlands. Since Midlands Simon Community established its first service in 2005, over 1200 people have been supported by the organisation. Over one third of those supported by Midlands Simon Community are families. So yes, just because you may not see people sleeping on the streets in the Midlands does not mean it does not exist.
Q. Why do people end up homeless?
A. Homelessness can be a very complex issue and there are many stereotypes associated with it. There are a range of difficulties that can cause people to experience homelessness and to require the support of Midlands Simon Community. The main challenges and difficulties we help people to overcome are:
A. Homelessness can be a very complex issue and there are many stereotypes associated with it. There are a range of difficulties that can cause people to experience homelessness and to require the support of Midlands Simon Community. The main challenges and difficulties we help people to overcome are:
- Poverty and the cycle of disadvantage / lack of opportunities.
- Long-term health and mental health difficulties.
- Addiction difficulties.
- Severe financial difficulties.
- Domestic violence / abuse.
- Relationship breakdown.
- Overcrowded, unsafe or unsuitable accommodation.
Q. What does it mean to be homeless?
A. Being homeless means:
A. Being homeless means:
- Having no home.
- Not having shelter or a place where you can feel settled.
- Not having neighbours or local shops.
- Not being part of a community.
- Not having your own bedclothes, furniture or anywhere safe to keep things that are important to you.
- If you have children, it means not having anywhere for them to play.
- Not having a place where you can simply be yourself.
Q. Why is there more than one Simon Community?
A. There are eight Simon Communities in total throughout Ireland, as well as the Simon Communities of Ireland National Office, which is based in Dublin. Eight Communities have been developed because of the large geographical area of Ireland. The eight Communities are:
A. There are eight Simon Communities in total throughout Ireland, as well as the Simon Communities of Ireland National Office, which is based in Dublin. Eight Communities have been developed because of the large geographical area of Ireland. The eight Communities are:
- Midlands Simon Community
- Dublin Simon Community
- Cork Simon Community
- Mid West Simon Community
- Galway Simon Community
- Dundalk Simon Community
- North West Simon Community
- South East Simon Community
Q. What counties do Midlands Simon Community work in?
A. In the four Counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
A. In the four Counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
Q. How does Midlands Simon Community help to end homelessness?
A. Midlands Simon Community works very closely with all our partners in the business community, the Local Authorities, the H.S.E, the D.O.E.H.L.G, and all our volunteers and supporters, to overcome the challenges of homelessness. We believe we can achieve our goal to end homelessness and help all our Service Users to rebuild their lives.
A. Midlands Simon Community works very closely with all our partners in the business community, the Local Authorities, the H.S.E, the D.O.E.H.L.G, and all our volunteers and supporters, to overcome the challenges of homelessness. We believe we can achieve our goal to end homelessness and help all our Service Users to rebuild their lives.
Q. If I want to help end homelessness what can I do?
A. There are many ways someone can help. You can help by:
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
A. There are many ways someone can help. You can help by:
- Making a donation to Midlands Simon Community so we can continue to provide vital services.
- Volunteering with Midlands Simon Community (see our volunteering section).
- Organising a fundraising event in aid of Midlands Simon Community.
- Helping with or supporting an existing fundraising event.
- Helping to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness in the Midlands by telling people and encouraging them to look at our website.
- Joining our Facebook page to show support.
- Asking Midlands Simon Community to come and speak to your school or group.
- Most importantly, by remembering that people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness are ordinary people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].