‘’I was homeless, and I had no hope…
I wanted to live, but I didn’t know how.”
These powerful words come directly from Derek, a resident at our Clonskeagh accommodation. When Derek first came to Dublin Simon Community, he was trapped in a cycle of homelessness and addiction. He slept rough at bus stops and Luas stations, barely holding onto his job. Each move between emergency accommodation would trigger him to start drinking again.
“I was ready to give up hope. I had given up, I had genuinely given up on everything.”
At Clonskeagh House, Derek found more than just recovery—he found stability, comfort, and the security he needed to heal. With the guidance and support of the incredible staff, he is learning how to navigate life’s challenges, respond rather than react, and build the resilience to grow—personally, mentally, and spiritually.
“I’ve been reborn. I’m someone again and I’ve my integrity and dignity back because kind humans, “fine souls” donors who give so much so that I could get a new beginning and step out of the darkness safely, securely, and comfortably.“
My name is Derek. I am currently a resident in Clonskeagh House. Whenever I’ve moved hostels while homeless, it was the fear of the unknown that would bring my alcoholism and addictions roaring to the front, out of control.
Clonskeagh gives me recovery but to recover fully I needed safety, stability, comfort, and security, all here in this building. The staff—amazing with their guidance and support and experience—are key components to aid me and listen when needed or required.
I could never ever imagine I’d be doing this, sober, clean, secure, stable, and safe.
Six months ago, a bottle of vodka was my way to cope with life as it was. Today I’ve a place to stop, think, reflect, meditate, and talk to people who understand me. I never had this before, so all this is a dream come true.
I am putting in place here in Clonskeagh, recovery plans and ways to deal with life issues, how to respond and not react, dig deep and build that resolve required to continue to grow personally, spiritually, and mentally… I can’t tell you a value this place, house, and area has to me personally because the value is indescribable.
I’ve been reborn. I’m someone again and I’ve my integrity and dignity back because kind humans, “fine souls,” donors who give so much so that I could get a new beginning and step out of the darkness safely, securely, and comfortably.
Thank you because I know today, I’m living and not just existing anymore!
I hope to continue my journey in the near future to the next stage, my own home or down south.
In the near future, I’ll continue my recovery programme, join Simon as a volunteer, and coach some soccer sessions when all paperwork is done and pray for a slow recovery.
I love my life I live today. This is it for right here, right now. I’ve never had it so good.
– Derek, Dublin Simon Community Client
Will you help give people like Derek a second chance?
Derek describes donors like you as “fine souls” who have given him back his integrity and dignity, allowing him to step out of darkness.
A donation today can allow us to provide supports such as a warm bed in our services, counselling sessions to help ease the pain, and support to rebuild a life.
YES! I want to help give someone like Derek a second chance.
Thank you because I know today, I’m living and not just existing anymore
In this video Derek talks about his journey out of addiction and plans for the future. He now has a new outlook on life and is excited to move forward with this second chance.
“I hope to continue my journey in the near future to the next stage, my own home or down south.
Thank you because I know today, I’m living and not just existing anymore.”
“Whenever I’ve moved hostels while homeless, it was the fear of the unknown that would bring my alcoholism and addictions roaring to the front, out of control.”
Will you help give someone a second chance?
Monthly donations provide us with a stable foundation to continue our essential work to prevent and address homelessness.
A monthly commitment to Dublin Simon Community not only provides us with the resources to address the urgent needs of vulnerable people, but also allows us to plan for the future and create lasting change in the lives of people and families experiencing homelessness.
Should you prefer, you have the option to donate via phone. Our team can be reached at 01 671 5551 during our office hours, which run from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:30.
Alternatively, you can choose to send your donation by post to:
Dublin Simon Community PO Box 581, Freepost 2015 Dublin 7
For bank transfers, you may use the following details:
Bank: Bank of Ireland
Branch: College Green
Account Number: 64815743
IBAN: IE08BOFI90001764815743
Sort Code: 90 00 17
BIC/Swift: BOFIIE2D