Minister Coffey visits Midlands Simon Community in Athlone

Junior Minister for the Environment Paudie Coffey praised the work of the Midlands Simon Community in addressing homelessness, during his visit to Athlone yesterday. Minister Coffey, who has responsibility for housing, viewed some of the homeless charity's services in Athlone.

CEO of the Midlands Simon Community Tony O’Riordan said: “I am delighted that Minister Coffey could see at first-hand how our services are making a real difference to people who have been affected by homelessness. Our Emergency Accommodation Services in both Athlone and Tullamore, for example, strive not only to provide emergency accommodation but also strive daily to link service users back into their community by supporting them every step of the way to rebuild their lives.”

Mr O’Riordan outlined that while the Midlands Region still only receives 1.5% of the National Homelessness Budget, the increase in the National Homelessness Budget has been increased from €45 million to €55 million is welcomed.

This funding increase recognises the need to support a cohort of people with housing and other support needs and will also help the organisation to put more staff on the ground to provide a wider spread of services, said Mr O’Riordan.