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Our Impact In 2023

As a community, we supported over 6,000 people and families across all our services in 2023.

Our settlement teams supported 954 adults and children on their journey out of homelessness. While 923 accessed our medical, residential treatment, detox, recovery and aftercare services. Leading to stories like Christina’s.

“Once introduced to Dublin Simon services I started to think about my future and how I could give back and be part of the community. From that moment, I knew that I would never go back to addiction again. I made a college application and was offered a place in Dublin Simon high-support housing. By next year, I will have a full qualification in social care, and I hope to start a two-year diploma after that.”

Read more about the impact we made below.

Impact Report 2023

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people and families supported across all services.
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people received medical, residential treatment, detox, and recovery services across 2023.
hours of one-to-one counselling and crisis suicide intervention was provided by Dublin Simon’s Sure Steps Counselling service.
people participated in Client Development well-being, education and employability programmes.
adults and children had homes in long-term independent housing.
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people were living in medium and high support housing with access to key working and supports needed to rebuild their lives.
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interventions by Dublin Simon's Outreach team
people stayed in Dublin Simon’s short-term emergency accommodation.
adults and children were supported by our settlement services in 2023.
Primary Care nursing interventions for 2023.
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nutritious meals served to clients throughout the year.
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hours invested in keyworking with clients.
hours contributed by volunteers.
adults and children supported by our tenancy sustainment teams.
people living in long-term accommodation with Dublin Simon Community.
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units in Dublin Simon Community accommodation stock.

Support Dublin Simon Community Today

CEO Overview

I am immensely proud to address you as the CEO of Dublin Simon Community, where our work is transforming lives every day. Through our dedicated teams, we’re helping individuals find hope, regain dignity, and rebuild their lives in the face of Ireland’s housing and homelessness crises. 

2023 was a year that tested us all, yet our response was not just measured by numbers but by the very real impact we had on people’s lives. While the ongoing housing shortage presented serious challenges, what stands out to me are the stories of courage and recovery. Yes, our services reached 11% more people this year, with a total of 6,061 adults and children supported, but behind every number is a story—of someone excited about their future. 

 

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One of these stories is of Seán, whose life changed when he sought help at our San Remo facility. He rebuilt his confidence, learned to read and write, and three years later, Seán now holds the keys to his forever home. Moments like these show the true power of what we do. 

Beyond housing, we’re empowering individuals with opportunities to grow and thrive – not just survive. One client reflecting on their journey through our services, observes, “The peace of mind I found here allowed me to focus on myself and improve my health, the staff are helping me to find a home.” For others, like a participant in our Client Development program, the impact goes even deeper: “The minute I met the team, I knew I would come out a brand-new woman.” 

Our vision is to make homelessness a thing of the past, and we cannot do this alone. As we celebrate 55 years of service in 2024, we know that every step forward is because of your support. Together, we are not just responding to a crisis—we are on a journey together, creating lasting change.  

Thank you for being part of this journey of transformation with us. 

Catherine Kenny
CEO, Dublin Simon Community 

Chair Overview

2023 represented Dublin Simon’s 54th year in service to the most vulnerable, it’s heartening to reflect on the incredible transformations we’ve facilitated over the past twelve months. Our journey is defined not just by the milestones we’ve achieved, but by the lives we’ve touched and the hope we’ve restored. 

I am deeply proud of the unwavering commitment, creativity, and innovation demonstrated by everyone at Dublin Simon Community. Despite the challenges of 2023, our focus remained steadfast on our primary mission: preventing and ending homelessness for individuals and families across Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Louth, Cavan, and Monaghan. Each day, our dedicated teams empower people to rebuild their lives and secure safe, stable homes. 

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The true measure of our success lies in the inspiring stories of our clients. Take, for example, one individual who shared about the first moment they felt our services were making a difference in their outlook on life, “I knew that I would never go back to addiction again. So, I made a college application and was offered a place in Dublin Simon high-support housing. By next year, I will have a full qualification in social care, and I hope to start a two-year diploma after that. It feels important for me to have freedom in my life – choice offers people dignity.” Stories like these highlight the profound impact our support can have on personal growth and long-term stability. 

We are also proud of our exceptional staff and volunteers. As one client expressed, “Our nurses are the finest group of professional staff. They are very attentive and will go with you to appointments. This is home to me thanks to them.” Their dedication ensures that our clients receive the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve. 

Our staff and clients deserve the highest-quality facilities and so our new 100-bed Usher’s Island medical and treatment facility, set to open in 2024, exemplifies our commitment to expanding our capacity and enhancing the quality of care we provide. This facility will offer life-changing support to those facing severe physical and addiction challenges. 

As we close the door on 2023, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our funders, donors, partners, volunteers, staff, and clients. Your support is the foundation of our success and the reason we can continue to make a meaningful difference. Together, we look forward to writing the next chapter of thousands of individuals and families in the coming year, and to closing the door on homelessness for good. 

Thank you for being an integral part of our story. 

Barry McKimm
Chairperson, Dublin Simon Community 

“When I entered Dublin Simon’s Longfields accommodation, I immediately felt settled, as the place was very quiet, and had wonderful staff. Having peace of mind allowed me to start focusing on myself – now I go to the gym and do yoga classes, which helped me to improve my health. The staff at Longfields are also helping me to find a home.”

Salama, Supported Temporary Accommodation Client

“The Client Development team provide a free weekly class, which I find very beneficial. It keeps my body and mind in good condition!! It really helps to keep my mind calm and has taught me how to actually manage myself during times of stress. Thanks Simon!”

Client Development, Yoga Class Client

“Our nurses are the finest group of professional staff. They are very attentive and will go with you to appointments. This is home to me thanks to them."

Gregory, Primary Care Nursing Client