Homelessness is stealing their childhoods…Don’t let it steal their future.
That’s the motto driving the Barnardos National Collection Day this year.
Today, the green army of volunteers have once again answered the call-to-arms across the Country, as the war on childhood homelessness ramps up. A staggering 2973-children are currently dealing with homelessness in Ireland, an all time high.
Growing up in a safe, stable environment is a fundamental right every child is entitled too. With winter just around the corner, urgent action is needed to provide these kids with their most basic of needs…
That’s where Barnardos come in, since their establishment in Ireland in 1962, Barnardos have been fighting for children who’ve been dealt the harshest of hands in life.
Here’s just a short list of everyday things that may be unavailable for a homeless child:
- Food
- A comfortable bed
- Solid sleep
- Warmth
- Bathroom facilities
- And toys
Imagine for just a moment your child or yourself being denied just one of these most basic of needs…
Perspective is a humbling notion, being without such necessities makes some of the day-to-day issues we face look frivolous in comparison.
For children, being homeless has deep rooted affects. It affects their mental and physical health, social and emotional development, education and their key relationships.
A staggering 2973-children are currently dealing with homelessness in Ireland...
Children living in hotels, emergency accommodation units and in overcrowded situations face constant dread and are forced to endure conditions no child should ever experience.
More often than not, emergency accommodation rooms are incredibly cramped, meaning there is little to no space for play. It's rare they contain cooking or washing facilities, so the majority can't even enjoy a home cooked meal. And generally, no visitors are allowed, which means children can't see their friends.
But, perhaps the most frightening aspect of homelessness for the child is not knowing when it will all end.
‘Her entire world was the space between those two beds’ – A Barnardos Project Worker describing the life of a two year old living in a hotel.
The cold hard truth is that childhood homelessness is completely avoidable, and it's organisations like Barnardos that can put an end to the fight, but they require help.
So, they're bringing the front-lines to you.
Today, when you see a Barnardos volunteer decked out in green, dig deep and be generous... because it's about time we won the war on childhood homelessness once and for all.
If you want to join the fight, you can make a donation to Barnardos via the methods below:
- Giving to volunteers when you see them in green today.
- By texting ‘BARNARDOS’ to 50300 to donate €4.
- By calling 1850 217 217
- Or online at barnardos.ie
#SupportBarnardos #LegacyofGood
