Before coming to us, Trish had already completed a nine-month programme in a treatment centre and recovery house. Unfortunately, Trish found herself unable to find an affordable place to live. She felt the accommodation options available to her would not give her the safety and security she needed. Even worse was the prospect of ending up on the street.
Trish told us, “There’s no peace of mind. You’ve to be so careful of yourself and the few bits you might have.”
Her belongings were constantly stolen, and on one occasion, she realised another resident, who was in and out of addiction and was a sex worker, was using her razor. Understandably terrified, Trish underwent a full STD screening. The experience left her shaken and shows the constant danger she faced.
Can you imagine what that’s like, having to be on high alert at all times? Never having the opportunity to feel completely safe, to just relax.
The stress and lack of a safe space to focus on her rehabilitation led to setbacks in Trish’s recovery.
Trish’s journey out of homelessness wasn’t easy or straightforward, but thanks to donors like you and the support she received from Dublin Simon Community, she now has hope for the future. Follow her inspiring story as she overcomes homelessness and rebuilds her life.
For many of the women who come to Dublin Simon, the trauma or abuse they’ve suffered in their lives is often a direct path to homelessness. Without your support, the only options for women like her are often unsafe, or the cold, hard streets where danger feels ever present.For women like Trish homelessness means living in constant fear. No peace, no privacy, no dignity. A generous donation today will help a woman like Trish to leave homelessness behind for good and build a better life.
“You’re going to be safe here.”
These are the words that Trish says gave her the courage she needed to walk through our doors. Those words, and the safety they represent, are only possible because of compassionate people like you.
For many women like Trish, safe is something they haven’t felt for a long time, perhaps ever.
Your compassion gives Trish the vital security she needs. Your kindness today will give women the space and privacy that are essential to their recovery and for regaining a sense of self-worth.
Your generous donation can help Trish to leave homelessness behind for good and build a better life.
Trish shared the tragic story of her father, Mark. He died 20 years ago at the age of just 44.
He’d spent the last few years of his life homeless on the city streets. Trish recalled how it was a staff member from Dublin Simon who had broken the news of her father’s death to the family.
The same staff member presented Trish’s family with a book of condolences signed by people who had known her dad both in Dublin Simon and on the streets.
Your gifts aren’t just helping someone find their way out of homelessness; you’re helping show them the kindness and empathy we all deserve.
Trish’s determination not to follow the same tragic path as her father is what brought her back in touch with Dublin Simon. The safety you make possible helped her walk through the doors, and the wrap-around support you generously fund has helped her stay.
“When I came into the building, literally within half an hour I felt safe, this is the safest I’ve felt in my whole life”
Trish committed herself fully to the Detox and Recovery Programme. For her, one of the hardest parts of her recovery has been facing the traumas of her past. It’s thanks to your generosity that she finally had the support, safety and privacy she needed to confront them head-on.
With the encouragement of our staff, Trish was able to progress through her 12-step programme. For years, she had never been able to get past step 3. Now, she is working on steps 10 and 11.
Can you donate today to show a woman like Trish she matters and give her the safety and support she needs to rebuild her life?
Plans for the future
Trish’s words were, “I trust everyone here. It’s given me the confidence to plan ahead. I’m starting college in September to do a Level 5 in Social Care”.
She dreams of eventually starting her own centre and creating a central database of all services available for people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Your support isn’t just helping Trish recover – it’s helping her dream again. She now has ambitious goals to stay sober, live a good life, and use her experience to help others.
Could you consider a monthly gift?
A regular monthly gift is the most powerful way to support people like Trish on their journey out of homelessness.
By giving monthly, you provide consistent, reliable funding that allows us to be there for people at every stage of their recovery and housing journey, from the first point of contact on the streets to the support they need to build a new life.
