CEO UPDATE
Summer is here, bringing longer days and memories in the sun – it’s also when the spirit of community shines brightly.
We have been providing services at Ushers Island since 1989. 35 years later, we’re proud to announce the launch of our first-of-its-kind Health and Addiction Care Facility for people experiencing homelessness.
I’m so proud of our staff, volunteers and, most importantly, our clients for their remarkable achievements in the most challenging times.
At full capacity, Ushers Island will treat around 800 people each year, many of whom have endured significant trauma. It’s a timely event for Dublin Simon, given that the number of people experiencing homelessness in Dublin is at an all-time high, with a 13% increase year-on-year.
I hope you enjoy reading these updates on our services.
− Catherine Kenny
CEO Dublin Simon Community
CHRISTINA’S STORY
“I had been in the care system and homeless since I was 13. The first time I heard about Dublin Simon Community, I had contracted Hepatitis C and was pointed to Simon’s Blood Born Virus Unit for treatment. Being there planted a seed and made me realise that stability is possible with medical help from nurses and emotional support from the staff.”
Later in my life, I came back to Dublin Simon for their detox service. Halfway through, something clicked, and I knew that I would never go back to addiction again. I started to gain more confidence in myself, and integration into the community didn’t seem impossible anymore. It made me feel that, with help, I could be a part of the community.
While there, I started to think about my future – when I was in active addiction, my hopes for the future never went further than tomorrow. Eventually, I made a college application and was offered a place in Dublin Simon high-support housing. I was cooking, paying bills and learning life skills. It felt so important for me to have that freedom – choice offers people dignity.
Now, I’m living in Simon’s lower support housing and have just completed my first year in college. By the end of next year, I will have a full qualification in social care, and I hope to start a two-year diploma after that. Today, I’m grateful for my life and my tests show that I’m now free from Hepatitis C.
“Having somewhere to go, having your own door and being able to lock your door – it seems so simple, but it’s priceless.” – Christina on building her path out of homelessness, supported by Dublin Simon Community
USHERS ISLAND LAUNCH
Our health and addiction treatment facility at Ushers Island is almost ready to open its doors (pending HSE funding), and it’s set to be a game changer.
Ushers Island services will include:
- 13 detox beds
- 47 addiction recovery beds
- Primary nursing care
- A homeless-specific counselling service tailored to client needs
- 10 beds to support stabilising addiction
- Client health & wellbeing development
- 22 beds to provide treatment before and after hospitalisation
- 8 BBV (Blood Borne Virus) treatment beds
Ushers Island will support adults who are experiencing homelessness and living with health and addiction issues to improve their health and wellbeing, and support them on their path out of homelessness.
WHY THESE SERVICES?
According to the most recent homeless figures, 10,216 adults are accessing emergency accommodation in Dublin. 4,527 of these people are single adults – the core group we serve. Annually, approximately 870 people will benefit from Ushers Island, with an average of 80 people using a health or addiction treatment bed each night.
A WORD FROM MAJELLA DARCY,
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, USHERS ISLAND
“It is so exciting to see the final elements of the Usher’s Island programme coming together in anticipation of opening our doors in the coming months. We are very proud of the teams who have worked to make this happen. We will now be able to help more adults who find themselves homeless and in need of health and addiction care in the greater Dublin Area”.
Now that the scaffolding and hoarding have been removed from its facade, our 100-bed Health and Addiction Care Facility at Usher’s Island is completely visible for the first time, which is a major milestone for the project!
The focus has now shifted to finishing the building’s interior, with the delivery team working hard to get the facility ready for occupation soon. The large picture windows boast a lot of natural light and ventilation and offer a fantastic view of the city.
The sitting rooms, group rooms, restaurant, and staff bases are shaping up to be high – spirited and inviting spaces – all built to have a positive impact on each client’s journey out of homelessness.
LONGEST DAY
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who attended and supported our Longest Day Community Festival event. From wellness workshops and food vendors, to live music and comedians, it was a day filled with joy, connection, and generosity. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible organisers and participants, whose hard work and dedication made this event a massive success.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
