Meet Simona, one of our incredible youth volunteers 💛✨ This #InternationalYouthDay, we celebrate the passion and impact of young people like Simona, who came to Ireland through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme to volunteer in our frontline services.
Simona shares: “I chose to volunteer with Dublin Simon Community because I believe that homelessness is one of the most urgent and unacceptable injustices in our society. No one should be without a safe place to live – yet too often, housing is treated as a privilege instead of a basic human right. My time as a volunteer has been a powerful experience. It showed me what compassion, consistency, and human connection are when supporting people facing difficult and often invisible struggles. I feel proud to have contributed, even in a small way, to the mission of this organisation, and it reminded me that real change often begins with small, everyday actions grounded in respect and solidarity.”
- What have you learnt from the clients we support?
“Spending time with clients through shared activities – like cooking, playing board games or creating art – taught me more than I expected. I learned how powerful small, everyday moments can be in building trust and human connection. Many clients showed resilience, humour, and creativity despite the challenges they’ve faced. They reminded me that everyone has a story worth listening to, and that dignity and empathy should always come before judgment. I realised that support isn’t always about fixing things, it’s often just about being present, sharing time, and creating space for people to feel seen and valued.”
- Would you recommend volunteering at Dublin Simon Community? And if so, why?
“I would recommend volunteering with Dublin Simon Community. It’s a life-changing experience. You don’t just help others; you grow personally and professionally. You meet incredible people, both clients and staff, and you become part of a team that truly makes a difference in the community.”
- What is it like sharing houses with volunteers from different countries; did you get to share your cultures/diversities?
“Sharing a home with volunteers from different countries was truly an incredible journey. It added depth to an experience already filled with challenges, some difficult, yet all meaningful. Together, we learned, grew, and created moments of real joy. In the end, it’s our differences that make us richer.”
- What is your favourite memory from your time with Dublin Simon Community?
“My favourite memory is the celebration we had for International Volunteer Day. It took place in a pub, and it was a really warm and fun evening. All the volunteers from Dublin Simon Community were invited, and the efforts of everyone — including those who have been volunteering for many years — were recognised and appreciated. We shared food and drinks, had great conversations, and it felt amazing to be part of such a supportive and grateful community.”
Today, and every day, we thank all of our youth volunteers for the energy, dedication, and empathy they bring to our community. Your small acts of kindness make a big difference in the lives of our clients. Thank you, Simona, for helping our clients feel supported, respected, and at home in our services!