Third level students across Ireland will Shine A Light on homelessness on October 9 as the Union of Students in Ireland partners with Focus Ireland to host a number of sleep outs on college and university campuses.
Focus Ireland, which provides services for people who are experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness in Ireland, is encouraging businesses, schools, and communities to host a sleep out, as part of its fundraising and awareness building campaign, Shine A Light.
The sleep outs are set to take place on Friday, October 11, but USI, Students’ Unions and students across Ireland are hosting theirs on Wednesday, October 9, as many students leave campus for the weekend to work or visit family.
USI is also encouraging students to take part in the main sleep outs on October 11 to fundraise for Focus Ireland, but also to highlight how the issue of homelessness affects many students.
USI President, Chris Clifford said: “We feel Focus Ireland and USI are natural partners, and we are delighted to support Shine A Light and organise these sleep outs along with our Students’ Union members. Many students are really struggling to find accommodation and we know that some are sofa surfing and living in cars, just so they can go to college. There are also students who are affected by homelessness with their families, and are attending college while living in hotels, family hubs, direct provision or in overcrowded situations with grandparents or wider family.
“Many students will have received support from Focus Ireland, and we see this event as a good chance to give back by raising funds and to highlight the issue for our members. We’re encouraging as many students as possible to take part in the campus sleep outs on October 9 or to organise or take part in one in their community on October 11.”
Focus Ireland, Head of Community Fundraising, Lorraine Toner said: “Focus Ireland is proud to have endorsement of the Union of Students in Ireland for our Shine A Light campaign. Many students are victims of hidden homelessness or struggling with insecure and inadequate housing. Focus Ireland believes every student has the right to safe, affordable housing.
“As a charity we’re committed to ending youth homelessness. Research produced and commissioned by Focus Ireland has consistently shown the existence of youth-specific triggers into homelessness, as well as evidence that a significant proportion of people who are homeless in later life have first experienced homelessness during childhood or adolescence. Focus Ireland challenges youth homelessness through youth-specific early intervention and prevention measures, and by supporting young people into secure homes.”
Organise your own sleep out for Shine A Light on Friday, October 11 in your local community or check if there is a community event near you.
Shine A Light aims to raise €1.4 million in 2024 to support people experiencing homelessness in Ireland – for more information on how to organise a sleep out or check if there is a community event near you, click here.