Galway Simon Community invites everyone – individuals, families, schools, companies and clubs – to give up their bed for one night, on Friday, October 4, with one purpose…to change the lives of those facing homelessness in the west.

By raising funds and awareness, you are joining a movement that ensures vulnerable people in our community have a safe place to sleep every night and receive the wraparound supports they need to leave homelessness behind them for good.

Galway Simon invites you to grab your warmest sleeping bag, get your flasks of tea and hot chocolate at the ready and organise a Sleep Out. And if you can’t sleep out on the night you can still show your support by donating to the Sleep Out for Simon at www.galwaysimon.ie/events/sleep-out/

Galway Simon has also announced that MJ Conroy Construction group are once more the main sponsor of the Sleep Out for Simon.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community, explained why they are relying on the community to come together and raise funds for those living with the threat of homelessness.

“The fear and trauma of having nowhere to sleep is a stark reality for an ever-increasing number of people right across our community,” she said.

“Homelessness is affecting all demographics: young, old, singles, families, unemployed, employed–all under extreme pressure and being left with nowhere to call home.

“We are asking for the help of our community so that we can continue delivering the support needed to protect the most vulnerable in our society from the threat of homelessness,” she added.

Last year, Galway Simon supported 980 households across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

“Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful communities, we were able to support 201 families, including 415 children,” said Karen.

“This is a phenomenal achievement and wouldn’t be possible without the continued support we receive. The number of people contacting our services for assistance continues to rise across the West.

“The vital funds raised through Sleep Out for Simon ensures that we can continue to be there for those seeking our assistance,” she added.

This year Galway Simon has set the target of raising €100,000 from the Sleep Out – and 100% of proceeds will go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, including their community support, youth, women and family services, ensuring the charity can safeguard these essential community services and support those in need.

To register for the Sleep Out for Simon today, visit www.galwaysimon.ie/events/sleep-out/

Pictured: Launching this year’s Simon Sleep-Out were (from left) Carol Hynes of Galway Simon; sponsors reps David Conroy of MJ Conroy and Denise Ryan of Boston Scientific; Fintan Maher of Galway Simon, and Damien Tummon of Boston Scientific. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy.