What can a Gift in your Will do?
Gifts left in Wills to Dublin Simon Community have made an enormous difference to all our services, ranging from outreach, housing, treatment, education to employability and prevention.
Countless people have made a lasting personal difference to people experiencing homelessness through our legacy services. There are more people than ever before presenting to Simon seeking help and with your support we can continue to expand and develop our services to meet this increased demand in these, the toughest of times.
We are ever mindful that homelessness can happen to any one of us and are responding to each person’s need to find a safe place to live and make home a reality.
Why a Gift in your Will to Dublin Simon Community Matters
Every legacy gift has a lasting positive impact for people at risk of and experiencing homelessness and don’t forget legacies made to charities are 100% tax-free, so you can be assured that the impact of your legacy will go even further.
This is John’s story…
A word on gifts in wills from Catherine Kenny, CEO
I started out in 2001 as project worker in Dublin Simon Community – I worked in our Ushers Island service and my job was to look after people while we tried to move them on to a place they could call home.It was very hard but very rewarding work. From day one I knew this was what I wanted to do, it opened my eyes to the trauma that being homeless causes for people. A lot has changed since 2001., I’ve had the privilege of seeing thousands of lives changed for the better through our work in Dublin Simon, I’ve seen homelessness prevented and ended for many individuals and I’ve watched our staff and volunteers support people at every step of their journey through homelessness. Our work has evolved to cater for the changing needs of our clients.,
The place where I worked in Usher’s Island will soon open as a 100-bed medical facility specifically for people who need medical care and TLC because of the effects of being homeless for long periods of time. But other things remain the same, like the basic needs of people who have no home – they still need a place to go, an ear to listen and someone to take action.
Of course, people end up homeless or on the streets for many reasons – rough childhoods, traumatic teenage years, addiction, family breakdown or simply poverty, but what we are seeing today is a complete breakdown of the housing system in Ireland – at every turn it’s failing people and the outcome is more and more men, women and children in emergency accommodation, on the streets, scrambling to keep a roof over their heads or find a place to live.
We read about it in the news and we see it with our own eyes but the numbers are hard to digest, it’s so important that we remember that every number represents a person – a Mam, a Dad, a grandparent or grandchild. The generosity of our donors who remember Dublin Simon Community in their Wwills ensures we can continue to prevent and address homelessness for the most vulnerable in our community for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a Will?
An up-to-date will ensures your wishes for your family and any charities you support will be clearly understood. A solicitor will guide and advise you on all aspects of writing your Will. You can find a local solicitor on the Law Society of Ireland’s website here: https://www.lawsociety.ie/find-a-solicitor
What details will my solicitor need?
You will need the following details for your solicitor when making your Will:
- Name: Dublin Simon Community
- Registered Address: 1-2 Cope Street, Dublin 2
- Fundraising Address: 5-7 Red Cow Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7
- Charity Registration Number: 20009892
What gifts can I leave to Dublin Simon Community in my will?
You can choose to leave us a specific amount of money in your Will. You could instead leave a share of your estate to us. It is also possible to leave a specific item, such as property stocks, shares, furniture or jewellery.
Does a small gift make a difference?
Any gift, no matter how big or small, is hugely appreciated and will be put to best use in order to have a lasting impact on those experiencing homelessness.
I have already made my will – can I leave a gift to Dublin Simon Community?
Yes – updates to wills are common and easy to do, and your solicitor will help you do this.
Will Dublin Simon Community use my gift in an environmentally sustainable manner?
Dublin Simon Community strives to ensure that its activities, services and operations are as environmentally friendly with the least harmful impact on the planet as can be practically achieved.
In Memoriam
Donations in memory of a loved one are a wonderful way of celebrating their life. It can be comforting to commemorate a loved one through whilst making a real difference to many people experiencing homelessness, in their name.
Many families request donations to Dublin Simon Community in lieu of flowers. The Funeral Director will arrange this kind gesture, so there is no burden on the family. You can let family and friends know about your decision by including information in the family notice of your loved one.
We are happy to help make donating in memory as easy as possible. If further contact from us is likely to cause distress, please notify us and we will respect your wishes.
Fundraise in Memory
You can organise a fundraiser for Dublin Simon Community to celebrate the memory of your loved one. There are many different ways to fundraise, such as taking part in an event or arranging a bake sale. It can be comforting to do something positive in honour of your loved one, bringing together friends and family to pay tribute and remember those you care for.
Through supporting our work in helping people experiencing homelessness, you can make the legacy of your loved one be a life-changing difference to many in need.
From all of us at Dublin Simon Community, thank you for considering us for an in memory gift.
