Children who have experienced homelessness launches book to tell their stories

What is lockdown like without a home?

A beautiful new book, written and illustrated by children who are experiencing homelessness across Ireland during the current pandemic, was launched this week by Irish publishing company Emu Ink. In ‘Homeless Stories,’ children, aged 5-13, have shared moving accounts of life in emergency accommodation and direct provision during the Covid crisis. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Depaul’s Families and Young People’s support services. One such recipient of that support is ten-year-old Kasey, who illustrated the book’s front and back cover, and wrote about her experience of living in emergency accommodation with her mam and little sister during the Covid-19 lockdown. After two-and-a-half years living in a hotel room, they are finally getting ready to move into their own home but are waiting on a move-in date. Speaking about why she wanted to share her story, Kasey said: “We moved into the hotel when I was seven and we didn’t know how long we would be here. I’ve had three birthdays and two Christmases living in the hotel now but this Christmas could be our first in a new home." Pictured here with her mum, Jodie Murray, Kasey continues: “I wanted to tell my story because if there’s another family who moves into our hotel room when we finally get to move out, I wanted them to know that they’re not alone and even if it feels scary or sad to begin with, it won’t be forever. My family’s story in this book has a happy ending and I hope everyone who shared their story and any other family who share our story, will find a happy ending and a home too.” All proceeds from ‘Homeless Stories’ will be donated by Emu Ink to Depaul’s Families and Young People support services. Depaul provides vital accommodation and community supports for vulnerable families who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. Emu Ink is an independent publishing company that developed an online programme for schools that turns pupils into real published authors. Earlier this year, Emu Ink launched The Covid Book Project, an ambitious writing initiative, which will capture school children’s experience of the Coronavirus pandemic in their own words and create an important historical record of a time that has changed the world.