ALONE gives six homeless older people keys to their new homes just in time for Christmas
Dublin, 19th December ALONE have handed the keys of five newly renovated houses over to four single older people and one couple, granting them each a home just in time for Christmas.
The houses were purchased using funds awarded to ALONE under the Capital Assistance Scheme.
Sean Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer of ALONE commented, “We are delighted to have provided these six older people the safety and dignity of home in time for Christmas. It has been a challenge to get these houses purchased and ready, in just five months, but we are delighted to be able to move all six people in before the 24th.”
Moynihan continued, “Over the past two weeks we furnished the houses to an age-friendly standard ready for their new ALONE residents. We believe in providing quality, comfortable housing for older people, but equally importantly we believe in housing with supports. All of our residents are in regular contact with ALONE staff and volunteers, who are always there to provide professional support when required”.
“Whilst it’s wonderful to have given homes to six older people, the reality is that many remain homeless and much more needs to be done. We’re hopeful that in 2015, the Government will address the serious shortage of housing with supports for our ageing population, and that promises made in the recent budget will be followed through” said Moynihan.
As part of their Key to Dignity campaign launched earlier this year, ALONE plan to double their housing capacities over the next three years in a concerted effort to tackle the growing housing crisis. They are asking members of the public to support their campaign by donating online at www.alone.ie or contacting 01 679 1032.
This Christmas ALONE are reminding members of the public to reach out to older members of their community who may be isolated or lonely this holiday season.
Moynihan said of the risk of isolation around Christmastime, “170,000 older Irish people live alone, which makes them vulnerable to isolation. This winter we are reminding the notoriously generous Irish public, to check in on their older neighbours, for a cup of tea, a quick word of kindness or just to see if they need a lift to the shops. No one deserves to be lonely at Christmas”.