“It is no secret that homelessness is currently at a crisis point in this country. However, the support you give allows us to turn the tide on this, offering hope to those who had previously lost it and giving them the help they need to turn their lives around for good. Each euro you entrust us with goes towards vital services that can help people who have lost everything completely transform their lives. “
Dear Supporter,
I want to take a moment to thank you — sincerely and deeply — for standing with us. As someone who supports our work, you are part of a community that refuses to look away from one of the most urgent issues in Irish society today. Because of you, we are not just responding to homelessness — we are helping people reclaim stability, dignity, and hope.
It is no secret that homelessness is currently at a crisis point in this country. However, the support you give allows us to turn the tide on this, offering hope to those who had previously lost it and giving them the help they need to turn their lives around for good. Each euro you entrust us with goes towards vital services that can help people who have lost everything completely transform their lives.
In response to this crisis, we’ve grown our services significantly. Over the past three years, we’ve increased our emergency accommodation capacity by 35% — a vital lifeline for people with nowhere else to turn. And we’ve opened our new 100-bed Health and Addiction Care Facility at Usher’s Island, the first of its kind in Ireland. These are real, tangible responses to a crisis that demands more than words — it demands action, and that’s what your support enables us to deliver every day.
In this Update, you’ll read Justin’s inspiring journey from homelessness to becoming a coordinator of our Soup Run — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people get the support they need. We’re also marking ten years of the Breakfast Run, which has provided food, hot drinks and powerful moments of connection. And we’ll share some upcoming events we’d love for you to be part of.
Thank you for believing that homelessness is not inevitable. With your support, we’re helping people not just survive, but heal, grow, and thrive.
Best regards,
Catherine Kenny
VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Justin’s journey from client to caretaker
Justin joined Dublin Simon in 2008 after spending 14 years sleeping rough in England. He overcame his addiction through our Detox, Recovery, and Aftercare services and has been volunteering with us for 17 years. Justin, who recently became a Soup Run coordinator, has found his experience with the Soup Run incredibly rewarding. His first-hand experience of homelessness is invaluable in relating to those who are bedded down on our streets.
Every Wednesday, Justin prepares the bags for the Soup Run at our Outreach office, filling them with sandwiches, snacks, and hygiene products. By 7pm, he collects the soup from The Church Café Bar & Restaurant, while other volunteers prepare coffee and tea to serve to the people sleeping rough.
A veteran of the Soup Run, Justin has noticed an increase in people on the streets and emphasises the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. He highlights the diversity of people he encounters, regardless of nationality, gender, or age, and calls for the Government to build more social housing to provide them with a stable home. Building relationships with people sleeping rough is crucial for engaging with them, as trust is essential for forging connections. Justin acknowledges that some people may initially be hesitant to interact with volunteers, but with time and understanding, they can become more receptive.
Safety is Justin’s top priority when he goes on the Soup Run. He advises volunteers to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, as some areas are safer than others. He also encounters people who had previously been in emergency accommodation but don’t feel safe in hostels due to drug use. Despite its challenges, Justin has found his experience with the Soup Run incredibly rewarding. His first-hand experience of homelessness is invaluable in relating to those who are bedded down on our streets.
Stories like this are only possible because of you. 💛
Your donation means more than just a safe place for our clients to sleep – it helps us provide detox, counselling, work programmes, and many more vital services. On behalf of our residents, clients, volunteers, and staff thank you for standing with Dublin Simon Community.
DUBLIN SIMON BREAKFAST RUN MARKS 10 YEARS
A warm cup of tea, some food, and a nice chat after a harsh night can make all the difference for people sleeping rough on the streets.
In 2025, we celebrate 10 years of our Breakfast Run, thanks to the dedication and commitment of each of our volunteers.
Between 2015 and 2024, there were 93,095 client interactions across the Breakfast Run and Soup Run.
Thanks to the drive of our volunteers, as of February 2025, the Breakfast run takes place three mornings a week.
Our volunteers start at 5am, prepping teas and coffees. They are the friendly faces our clients experience, welcoming their first warm cup of tea or food after sleeping out on the streets.
“When I got in touch with Dublin Simon 10 years ago, it was at that time that the breakfast run was born, and I was happy to get involved. I’ve learned that what we do out on the street isn’t going to necessarily solve someone’s problems, but it can have a small positive impact on their day”.
– Jane, Breakfast Run volunteer.
To find out more about the Breakfast Run or if you want to get involved:
Email – Contact us at ptv@dubsimon.ie.
Phone – Call us on (01) 889 5800
Join Us for the 2024 Annual Impact Report Launch & Scrappy but Happy
We are excited to invite you, as one of our valued donors, to the launch of the Dublin Simon Community’s 2024 Annual Impact Report & the Scrappy but Happy book launch on Thursday, 11th September 2025, at the Convention Centre in Dublin.
At 11 am, we will have the launch of the Annual Impact Report, highlighting the incredible progress and challenges faced over the past year. We will present first-hand key data and insights that demonstrate the impact your donations have made in tackling homelessness in our community.
At 1 pm, we will have our Scrappy but Happy book launch and Client Recognition Awards. This book celebrates the resilience, courage, and achievements of our clients. You will hear stories of hope and resilience from individuals whose lives have been transformed by your support. It’s a joyful occasion where we honour the inspiring individuals who have overcome incredible challenges with strength and hope.
We warmly welcome you to join us for this important occasion as we reflect on the year past and look ahead to the future. If you would like to attend both launches or either one, please contact Jack at 086 787 7371 or by email at jacklynch@dubsimon.ie
Help us support those in need
The GAFF Collection
Introducing the GAFF Collection
A bold fashion statement with purpose.
In Irish slang, a “gaff” means home — something over 15,000 people in Ireland are currently without. Created in collaboration with Dublin artist and long-time supporter of Dublin Simon, Conor Merriman, the design reflects the urgency of the crisis while celebrating the spirit of our city.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: Usher’s Island Wins Building of the Year
We are thrilled to announce that our Health and Addiction Care Facility at Usher’s Island has been awarded “Building of the Year – Medical & Health” at the prestigious Building and Architect of the Year Awards. Catherine Kenny, our CEO, and Rory O’Moore, our Senior Property Development Manager, had the honour of attending the ceremony.
Usher’s Island was opened in October 2024, offering services such as Step Up, Step Down Intermediate Care and Detox to people experiencing homelessness in Dublin.
“I am so proud to be part of this award-winning project. The building is already changing lives daily. It is a real testament to the passion, belief, and talent that everyone on the team has put in.”
– Rory O’Moore, our Senior Property Development Manager
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