Christmas is a difficult time of year for many people - most notably those who are homeless.
New data reveals that homeless figures in Ireland are currently at a record high, with over 10,500 people without stable accommodation.
Almost 4,000 of these are children.
The festive season is a time for giving - and although many of us may be focusing on what we're going to get our friends and family for Christmas, we should also consider what we can do for those who need it most.
While some people may not be in a position to donate a considerable amount of money to homeless charities, there are other ways of helping out and doing your bit this Christmas.
1. Volunteer with a homeless charity
There are plenty of ways that you can lend your time and energy to a homeless charity this Christmas.
Focus Ireland are currently recruiting both
short and long-term volunteers, as well as students on work placement.
The Peter McVerry Trust offers
volunteering opportunities for fundraising activities, charity services (these spots fill up quickly), and corporate engagement.
The Dublin Simon Community will begin recruiting part-time volunteers again in January, but other opportunities with the charity can be found
here.
You can also find out information about volunteering with
the ICHH, Feed our Homeless, and
MQI.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5m3l0AniC1/
2. Donate a food voucher or basic essentials
This year, Galway Simon Community are not seeking food donations - rather, they are asking the public to donate a voucher for a supermarket, butcher, or toy shop.
They - as well as many other charities around the country - are also seeking basic essentials donations, such as toiletries and warm clothes.
Galway Simon Community's appeal is running until the end of December, while other drives like
Homeless Period Ireland (accepting donations of menstrual products) run all year round.
3. Fill an Xmas truck with Inner City Helping Homeless
Next week, the ICHH are asking the public to donate a shoebox full of gifts to homeless people this Christmas.
Hats, scarves, chocolate, toiletries, and Christmas cards are all encouraged for inclusion in the boxes that will be distributed to homeless men and women in Dublin's inner city.
Shoeboxes for children will also be collected, containing toys, sweets, hats, McDonald's vouchers and books.
The drive will take place at Mountjoy Square Park on Thursday, December 12 from 7am-7pm, with alternative drop-off points available around the city.
More information about the drive, and what to put in a shoebox, can be found
here.
4. Encourage your company to Sponsor a Star with Focus Ireland
One of the charity's longest running campaigns, Sponsor a Star allows Irish businesses to pledge a donation and help families and individuals move into homes of their own, while also offering crucial support to those struggling this Christmas.
Stars start from €1,000 and go up all the way to €20,000, but companies can also choose how much they would like to pledge too.
Sponsored stars will then appear on the Focus Ireland Christmas tree on Grafton Street.
You can find out more about how to Sponsor a Star this Christmas
here.
https://twitter.com/FocusIreland/status/1200545326635069440?s=20
5. Be an SVP Secret Santa
The Society of St Vincent de Paul are asking people to get involved with their Giving Tree this year, and give back to those who may not get a lot this Christmas.
Collected and dropped off to designated collection points, these gifts can include food vouchers, toys for small children, clothes for adults, and more.
The cut-off date for most collection points around the country aren't until later on in the month, so there's still time to get involved and organise a collection in your place of work, school, or college.
You can find out more about the Secret Santa drive and SVP's other services
here.
6. Contact your local TD
This week, Minister for House Eoghan Murphy narrowly survived a vote of no confidence, 56 to 53 votes. 35 TDs abstained from voting.
Although Ireland's homeless problem can be - and very much is - being helped by the public, it is paramount that the government stops ignoring this issue and addresses the thousands of people who remain with homes each month.
Contacting your local TD asking what they are doing to tackle homelessness will put pressure on those not acting - and give you a good idea of where to send your vote next election.
