Focus Ireland is calling on Limerick businesses and residents to take part in a sleep-out event at the Crescent Shopping Centre this Friday, October 10, to mark World Homelessness Day.
The charity’s appeal comes as almost 530 people remain homeless in Limerick City and County, whilst more than 5,000 children are now without a home across Ireland—a record figure.
A recent survey by Empathy Research, commissioned by Focus Ireland, found that 97% of Irish businesses view homelessness as a critical or significant problem.
However, only one in four have previously engaged in initiatives to address the issue.
Focus Ireland is responding to the situation by calling on businesses, local groups, and concerned citizens to turn concern into action by taking part in a Shine A Light Sleep Out, supported by Bord Gáis Energy, on World Homelessness Day, Friday October 10.
The annual fundraising initiative with community sleep outs taking place in Limerick and across Ireland, along with business sleep out events in Dublin and Cork, aims to raise €1.2 million in vital funds to support families and children experiencing homelessness, as demand on Focus Ireland’s services continues to rise with the worsening crisis.
Companies, local businesses, community groups and schools can also organise their own sleep out events in communities across Ireland this October 10.
Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: “The number of children in homelessness across Ireland has now risen above 5,000. By sleeping out for Shine A Light this October 10th, together we will shine a light on Ireland’s children without a home. In Ireland in 2025, we must not allow another crisis affecting thousands of children to go unnoticed, without action.”
The Shine A Light initiative, supported by Bord Gáis Energy, aims to raise €1.2 million through community sleep-outs across Ireland.
Demand on Focus Ireland’s services continues to rise as the homelessness crisis worsens.
Alec Morrissey, Chairperson of the Limerick Organising Committee, said: “This marks our second year hosting the Limerick Community Sleep Out at this fantastic venue, and our ambition for 2025 is greater than ever.”
Príomh-Comhairleoir Catherine Slattery added: “Homelessness is not just about statistics, it is a human story, and we all have a role in changing the ending.”
Those wishing to participate can register at shinealight.focusireland.ie