Crosscare supports people and families when they face complex challenges in life and when they find it hard to get the help they need.
In our Annual Appeal this week, we are asking for help in two particular areas Homeless Prevention and Food Poverty Support.
We run seven residential homeless services – including one for homeless teenagers. Our residential services constantly strive to help people move on to a better, more stable life.
Our Homeless Prevention team is one of the busiest in Crosscare right now. Staff are working hard to ensure families and individuals struggling financially can remain in their accommodation and avoid homelessness.
At the same time, people in our homeless residential services stay there much longer than necessary as it is tough for them to find somewhere to live.
Another vital area of homeless prevention is our Clan Project. Clan supports former homeless residents now living in the community with mental health support and social activities to ensure they are happy and stable and can continue to live independently.
An area of our work that is under increased pressure in the current climate is Crosscare’s Food Poverty Support Service. This is a new service we put in place last year. When families and individuals come to us in need of food, we provide much-needed food supplies – but crucially – they also meet with a dedicated staff member who looks at all the reasons that led them to this crisis point.
Most people coming to us in need of help with food say the rising fuel costs and day-to-day living expenses are pushing them into poverty. This service helps them budget, helps them with any debt issues, and to access available social supports. Almost 600 families & individuals were referred to the Food Poverty Support Service in less than a year, including 800 children. We know there are many more in need of help.
Thank you for your ongoing support for Crosscare; please give generously in the second collection at all Masses in the Archdiocese of Dublin on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September.
You can also donate online at www.crosscare.ie
