The charity is supporting over 500 families and their children who are homeless in Dublin in partnership with Dublin Region Homeless Executive.

Sr. Stan said:

“This crisis is additional stress for families who are homeless and we are working hard to support and protect them in their hour of need. Our staff are supporting parents and ensuring they are getting meals and helping them to deal with anxieties”.

She added:

“Our family centre in Dublin is delivering takeaway meals to any families who are stuck. We are also helping children and our family team sent out play packs to hundreds of children so they can still play at this time. One child made an amazing piece of artwork to help to explain to other children about how vital it is to wash your hands to protect yourself from COVID-19. This child explains himself in this short video which is so clever.”

Sr. Stan said Focus Ireland needs urgent support as it has to raise over 40% of its annual budget through donations. She said:

“I am asking anyone who can to please help us as an emergency donation will help us keep our vital supports open for those who can reach us – and help us transform our services so that our staff can continue to reach out to those who are isolated and most at risk. People can please donate at focusireland.ie or call 1850 204 205′.’

Sr Stan added:

“Focus Ireland’s Coffee Shop in Temple Bar in Dublin is still open every day and operating fully in line with HSE social distancing guidelines for people needing advice and information. The service is providing a take away food service and they served a record total of 300 takeaway meals for those most in need in one day alone earlier this week.’

Focus Ireland is also dealing with over 140 queries every day to its Advice and Information services around the country every day. In March the charity’s A&I services dealt with nearly 4,500 queries – a 12% rise from February.

Focus Ireland’s management team is meeting daily to review the situation and keeping in regular contact with the HSE, Dublin Region Homeless Executive, Tusla, local authorities, and all other relevant state bodies and partner organisations.

Media Contact: Roughan Mac Namara 086 85 15 117