In a move that is sure to make history, a group of artists, activists and musicians have occupied Apollo House in Dublin and opened its doors to the city’s homeless people.
The group known as Home Sweet Home wants to provide shelter for families in need by Christmas. Damien Dempsey, Glen Hansard, Mattress Mick, Kodaline and Hozier are among those who have been present at the civic action.
Co-founder of Home Sweet Home, trade unionist Brendan Ogle, told The Irish Times that the group have planned the citizens intervention exceptionally well.
“We are going to go in, turn on the electricity, turn on the water, turn on the heating and gather up as many homeless people as need a roof over their head. This has been very well planned and the building is safe,” said Ogle.
“We know at least 140 people are sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin every night. We know the Government has opened up emergency beds but there will still be people out sleeping on the streets and we are coming together to say to the Government that ‘enough is enough’.”
A GoFundMe page set up by the organisation states:
“There are 260 people sleeping on the streets of Dublin every single night with more than 6,500 ‘officially homeless’ people, including 2,400 children growing up in hotel rooms. 70 families a month are going still losing their homes.”
The group are raising vital funds.
“We are asking you to support us in housing homeless people until the government gets its act together and realises that the most vulnerable in our society are the priority,” they say.
Support for the group is growing on Twitter.
Well done to @FrankieGaffney @Kparkspoet and everyone else there last night #HomeSweetHome https://t.co/Vhod7tmzg2
— Amy Dwyer (@insolentbrat) December 16, 2016
I work so hard to give my family a lovely home. A most important job. Good luck and thank you @HSHIreland #HomeSweetHome #endhomelessness
— Anne Bennett Brosnan (@galinwellies) December 16, 2016
Well done to @HSHIreland for saying enough is enough and homes are needed.#Homesweethome @GerryAdamsSF pic.twitter.com/Syh1PBWThs
— Chris Andrews (@chrisandrews64) December 16, 2016
Ireland has a small population. Nobody should be sleeping on the streets. #HomeSweetHome
— Counter Culture (@counterpower5) December 16, 2016
Well done @mattressmick for supplying beds to #OccupyNama #HomeSweetHome. Use this business if ever buying a bed in future.
— Revolution Ireland (@Revolution_IRL) December 16, 2016
Share if you agree that together we can end homelessness #HomeSweetHome Add your voice now https://t.co/5PcMoebq6R pic.twitter.com/nMAmFYQU4v
— Uplift (@UpliftIRL) December 16, 2016
Home Sweet Home has made a call for volunteers. Details can be found HERE.
