New soup kiosk set up in Athlone
Athlone Soup Kiosk was established recently by a dedicated group of individuals to feed the vulnerable homeless population in the town.
One of the members of the committee, Athlone native Leisa Rushe, said they saw “there was a need in the community for feeding the homeless. We set it up so they could have a meeting place, somewhere for a chat and a bite to eat.”
The soup kiosk is located beside the taxi rank on Church St and they serve soup and sandwiches to those in need on Mondays and Fridays from 7pm to 8pm.
Leisa explained: “We want to provide warm meals regularly for these people and spread awareness of the homelessness crisis in Ireland because at the moment it's currently facing 13,000 people who are accessing emergency accommodation.” Leisa added that they usually serve between 15 to 20 people in the hour but that they stay longer if there is a need.
The local woman said that the group has already received a “good bit of support.”
“We've recently been lucky to have been supported by the Athlone Family Resource Centre and we reached an agreement for them to support and provide the governance to help us with this outreach.” The resource centre is providing funding and training for those involved with Athlone Soup Kiosk. Seery's Cash & Carry and the LWETB have also assisted in donating essential items to the local group.
Members of the group are in the process of getting Garda vetted and have received HSE training in hygiene and food preparation. There are eight people on the committee of Athlone Soup Kiosk and four volunteers.
Leisa said that to date service users have been “very appreciate” of the new soup kiosk. “They come every Monday and Friday and we've grown a bond with them.”
She continued: “If there is anybody out there in need of help or something to eat or just for someone to chat to, don't be afraid to come up. We're there every Monday and every Friday and we can help out and it's all confidential.”
Follow Athlone Soup Kiosk on Facebook for regular updates on their soup distribution events and community outreach programmes. Anyone who wishes to donate to Athlone Soup Kiosk to support them in their endeavours can do so by contacting the Athlone Family Resource Centre on 085 251 2224.