The History of Dublin Simon Community
Dublin Simon Community was founded by a group of Trinity and UCD students in 1969, who began by providing much-needed soup and sandwiches to people who were sleeping rough in Dublin city centre.
In addition to the Soup Run, which still goes out 365 nights of the year, Dublin Simon Community provide many services which aim to help those who are sleeping rough on the streets, people who are in their own accommodation but at risk of homelessness and those who are at any of the stages in between.
1969
The first Soup Run was founded by students from Trinity College and UCD.
1976
Our first supported housing service opened. Today we provide a range of housing services.
1984
Rough Sleeper Team established providing support, advice and health services.
1989
Ushers Island opened. Today it provides addiction treatment and recovery services.
2000
Our first training, education and employment services were set up.
2002
Resettlement service established. We now provide prevention services and tenancy support.
2003
Alcohol Detox and Rehab opens at Ushers Island.
2006
Social Club established.
2007
Learning and Development service established.
2008
Harm Reduction Service set up by Rough Sleeper Team.
2010
Mobile Health Unit set up with Safetynet.
2010
Support to Live Independently Service established in partnership with four Dublin Local Authorities.
2012
We expanded our housing support services into Kildare, Wicklow and Meath.
2015
Housing Management Service expanded to manage Simon’s supported and independent accommodation.
2016
We opened new counselling rooms as part of expanding our Sure Steps Counselling.