Sleepout 2023

2_nd December 2023 - 3_rd December 2023

Louth, ireland

Drogheda Homeless Aid aims to restore dignity and hope by providing care, support and shelter for homeless men, encouraging self-development, independent living and resettlement. We are a not for profit organisation.   We aim to provide a non-judgemental environment, prioritising health, safety and wellbeing of the clients.

Drogheda Homeless Aid provides emergency accommodation, and offers services and support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes such services as emergency accommodation, transitional housing and outreach services throughout the area of Louth and East Meath. The core operation of the organisation is the 28 bed hostel based in Drogheda through which, on average 160 people are accommodated every year.  Within the hostel we provide counselling and resettlement services supporting the self-development of clients. 

Homelessness’ is an ever increasing social and political problem. Therefore, our client cohort span all strata of inequality, including young adults up to elderly gentlemen from County Louth and County Meath. We have clients within a cycle of recovery and lapse related to addiction issues. 

Drogheda Homeless Aid  also provide the Meal on Wheels service for Drogheda and its surrounding areas, supporting the elderly and those most vulnerable in the community. This service is provided 3 days a week, serving over 65 households at present with clients referred by the HSE and public health nurse and community participants.

The impact of Covid and lockdown has had a knock on effect on Drogheda Homeless Aid in terms of raising funds.  With the continued raising cost, we find ourselves in very challenging financial circumstances and we  need your support.  Without community support we could not continue to offer the services that we provide, particularly at a time of huge demand for shelter and food during the current housing/homeless crisis. Any support no matter how small is very much appreciated.  Thank you.

In 2022 Drogheda Homeless Aid provided the following services and support:

• Accommodation:90 men were accommodated in our emergency 28-bed hostel
• Resettlement services: provision of support and advice services for all residents who were helped in exiting homelessness and were supported to live independently in the community.
• Hot meals/ MOW programme: 30.520 hot meals were prepared for and provided to homeless people and those living in poverty in the community . We offer approximately 195 hot meals per week for elderly and vulnerable members of our community.
• Social Housing: Drogheda Homeless Aid is also an approved housing body and provided transitional and long-term housing for 35 homeless men, women, and families from the Local Authority housing list during the year.
• Prevention/Tenancy, Sustainment/Home Visiting, Supports: DHA also provided supports to prevent individuals at risk from becoming homeless and delivers a service for Louth County Council helping to support those with mental health issues in maintaining their tenancies and/or supports people with mental health issues in existing homelessness.