Focus Ireland has called for urgent government action as the number of children who are experiencing homelessness has risen over 4,000 for the first time (4,105).
The new figures – issued by the Department of Housing in January 2024 – report a distressing record total of 13,514 people officially homeless in November 2023. This is an increase of 335 from the previous month and an alarming 17% higher compared to November 2022. There are now 2,000 families in emergency accommodation, 24% higher compared with November 2022.
A school fundraiser is easy
Organising a school fundraiser is easier than you think, but it means everything to those who need your support. We’ll give you all the help you require when you sign up. And you don’t need to raise thousands to make a real difference. Every little bit of support is so valuable. Raising just €125 could help provide one week of training and educational supports for a young person.
This year Focus Ireland will offer you amazing campaigns that your school can take part in along with other opportunities to suit your school.
We start the year with The Big Busk. Join The Big Busk for Focus Ireland in conjunction with Today FM – gather family, students, teachers, and friends and organise your own school busk.
In October we ask schools to school sleep out against homelessness in your school. Shine A Light is proudly supported by Bord Gáis Energy and takes place in October each year. It is the ideal opportunity for your school to raise funds to help families experiencing homelessness.
Children, parents, and teachers get the opportunity to spend a memorable night sleeping under the stars. You’ll step out of your comfort zone and into a deep sense of solidarity and community, whilst raising vital funds for Focus Ireland to continue its work towards ending homelessness.
A Gaisce challange
Focus Ireland are now a Challenge Partner with Gaisce and offer Gaisce participants a comprehensive programme that will bring you on a learning journey of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in our society today. Will you join us in helping to end homelessness while earning a Gaisce Award?
Our programme and our broad range of campaigns will allow us to facilitate all the challenge areas. Community Involvement, Physical Recreation and Personal Skills.
Your fundraising allows Focus Ireland to help people secure a home of their own and to tackle the issue of homelessness. Last year, with the support of schools just like yours, Focus Ireland supported 4,235 children across our services. By fundraising for Focus Ireland, you, along with your school, can help us support the thousands of individuals, families, and children without a home right now.
Our teams will help
Our teams are on-hand to help you organise your fundraiser, Big Busk or school sleep out and we provide lots of helpful advice and guidance to make it a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. We often come out and give talks too where possible and are available to offer zoom also.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team at any time and we will support you.
More information is available by email at events@focusireland.ie
