Crosscare has published its Annual Report 2024, revealing the scale of support delivered to thousands of people amid the deepening housing crisis, cost-of-living pressures, and rising needs.
Chairperson Evelyn Cregan described the report as “a testament to how lasting change often begins with small, quiet steps — a conversation, a meal, a place to belong.” She added: “Across our services, we supported thousands of people through some of life’s most difficult challenges. These numbers represent lives changed, stability restored, and futures reimagined.”
In 2024, Crosscare’s frontline services continued to provide critical support where it was needed most:
Homeless Services: More than 800 individuals and families found shelter and support. Despite the challenges, 116 individuals and 26 families successfully moved into their own homes.
Aftercare Services: 180 young people transitioning from State care received practical, emotional, and social support to help them build independent lives.
Youth Services: Through outreach, detached work, and creative programmes, Crosscare engaged with over 4,500 young people. Nearly 3,000 more individuals participated in its 47 voluntary youth clubs and summer projects, which were supported by more than 500 volunteers supported.
Food & Support: Over 3,700 food parcels were provided alongside targeted casework to address the root causes of food poverty. In total, more than 2,600 adults and 1,200 children were supported through this model.
Information & Advocacy: The service recorded over 14,000 interactions, assisting people to navigate housing, welfare, immigration, and diaspora challenges.
Reflecting on the year, Conor Hickey, CEO of Crosscare, said: “This report tells the story of a year where challenges remained real and urgent — a deepening housing crisis, the cost of living, migration pressures, and growing food insecurity. But it’s also a story of hope, action, and progress. Thousands of people turned to Crosscare for support — for a place to stay, someone to talk to, a path back to education, a hot meal, or simply to be seen and valued.”
Human Impact: Stories of Change
Natalie, who Crosscare’s Homeless Services supported, described her journey: “Things in my life took a bad turn when my partner passed away. I lost my children into care, my addiction escalated, and eventually I lost my home. I thought I’d never get through it. But my Key Worker never gave up on me, letting me take the lead in my own journey. With support, I went through treatment, stayed connected with services, and now I have unsupervised visits with my children again. I am deeply grateful to the staff at Cedar House — they helped me believe in myself again.”
For Lucy, leaving care at 18 felt daunting until she connected with Crosscare’s Aftercare Service: “I eventually got my own apartment — my first proper home after leaving care. At first, I struggled with money and living on my own, but Sharon and Paul from Crosscare helped me move in, checked on me almost every day, and encouraged me to stay. I’ve now settled, and I’m starting a beauty course I’m really excited about. My life is much better and I’m very happy.”
Looking to the Future
One of the most significant milestones in 2024 was the launch of Crosscare’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap developed with input from staff and launched to widespread support across the organisation.
The strategy sets out key priorities:
– Empowering service users to shape the supports they receive.
– Strengthening inclusion and taking real action on diversity and equity.
– Investing in staff and volunteers to ensure those who care are cared for.
– Innovating with purpose when new needs are identified.
– Keeping advocacy and dignity at the heart of every action.
A Collective Effort
Evelyn Cregan emphasised the vital role of Crosscare’s staff, volunteers, and supporters: “As Chairperson, I am deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, funders, and community partners. Your dedication, belief in our mission, and everyday acts of care make Crosscare what it is.”
You can read the report in full here: Small Steps, Big Changes Crosscare Annual Report 2024
