Christmas packs for kids in Kildare emergency accomodation
The council said that its’ homeless services team has been planning since September to ensure that those in emergency accommodation receive the necessary supports this Christmas
THOSE experiencing homelessness across Kildare will receive special festive support this Christmas.
Kildare County Council (KCC) laid out the services that will be available to those in emergency accommodation over the festive period after local councillors asked for such information to be published.
Cllrs Chris Pender and Pat Balfe, both of the Social Democrats, brought forward a motion at the latest meeting of Kildare County Council asking that the council outline supports available in relation to issues such as food provision and child focused supports over Christmas.
The council said that its’ homeless services team has been planning since September to ensure that those in emergency accommodation receive the necessary supports, with supports tailored to the “specific needs of each household and the facility in which they are staying”.
The council said that it contacts “all families in emergency accommodation and transitional units to determine if support is needed for Christmas dinner”.
Those in need are directed towards services in Kildare as well as Carlow and Dublin.
These services include the Christmas Dinner with Friends service in Newbridge and surrounding areas, which delivers meals to those in need.
In addition, supported temporary accommodation providers such as Mount Offaly House in Athy, Jigginstown Manor in Naas, Osberstown Cottage in Naas and Peter McVerry services will provide Christmas dinners and supports to residents.
The RDS Christmas Day service will be available from 10.30 am to 1 pm for those in emergency accommodation in North Kildare and Dublin.
St Clare’s hospitality kitchen in Carlow will provide a walk-in service for those in need on 23 December.
KCC’s homeless services team has organised Christmas packs for children in emergency accommodation after local retailers such as SuperValu and Tesco donated selection boxes and sweets.
In addition, the council’s library service donated play packs, games and books whilst Smyths Toystore provided a discount on toys, with the council purchasing items for children.
Supports are available for those with sensory needs, with funds being provided by Healthy and Sláintecare for sensory gardens in Prosperous Family Hub and Athy Family Hub respectively. Sensory packs will be provided for all children in both hubs.
The council added that families are also advised of supports available through organisation such as family resource centres, Lions clubs and St Vincent de Paul for financial assistance.
The council did not provide any specific information on child-focused support aside from the sensory gardens, despite Cllrs Pender and Balfe requesting information on measures such as access to play spaces and activities in place to support children during the school holidays.
Cllr Pender said that good work is being done but added his view that “we can go a lot further when it comes to supporting families”.
Cllr Aoife Breslin of Labour urged councillors to support the initiative of helping those in need and raised the matter of further supports for the homeless going forward, saying: “I don’t see homeless numbers going down next year.” KCC added that participants can contact the homeless services team directly on the phone number 045 980230 or email homelessadmin@kildarecoco.ie.
