Hundreds to sleep outdoors to 'Shine A Light' on homelessness

Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan and Bord Gáis Energy chief executive Dave Kirwan at last year's sleep-out event.

Hundreds of people across the country will give up their beds and sleep out under the stars on Friday night as part of Focus Ireland's annual 'Shine A Light' initiative.

The countrywide event, which is taking place on World Homelessness Day, has become a "powerful symbol of solidarity" with people experiencing homelessness .

Now in it's 13th year, 'Shine A Light' brings people together to raise awareness, and funds, to help tackle the country's homelessness crisis.

Those taking part will spend the night sleeping outdoors to highlight the reality faced by more than 16,000 people, including over 5,000 children, who are currently homeless.

As part of the campaign, business leaders' sleep-outs will be taking place in Cork City Gaol, Dublin's Iveagh Gardens, and TU Dublin, Grangegorman.

Senior executives will join Focus Ireland staff and volunteers for a night of reflection, discussion and fundraising.

Elsewhere, organised community sleep-outs will be taking place at University College Cork, and at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick.

Many other workplaces and schools from Donegal to Sligo and Waterford will also be hosting their own sleep-outs in support of the cause.

Speaking ahead of the event, Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan said the campaign was more urgent than ever.

“Right now, we face a profound challenge: the homelessness crisis affecting thousands of children in Ireland. We cannot, and we must not, turn away. This is a question of political will and choice, and as a nation, we must demand action."

"Together, we can make the choice to protect childhoods and build better futures for thousands of children without a home. Every person taking part [on Friday night] is helping to build that future.” 

Focus Ireland is aiming to raise €1.2m in donations from this year’s event. Funds raised will go directly toward the charity’s frontline and prevention services, which support families and individuals to secure long-term housing solutions and avoid homelessness.

People can donate to Shine A Light here.