Mick Clifford: Anthony Flynn and the lessons that must be learned

Along with at least one personal tragedy, the ICHH crisis should prompt us to overhaul the governance and vetting of those who work with vulnerable people such as rough sleepers

Councillor Anthony Flynn, CEO of Inner City Helping Homeless, during their protest outside Dublin City Council Offices on Wood Quay to highlight a marked increase in the number of people living in tents over the last month and the plight of homelessness.

One man’s drive and passion can bring an organisation a long way. Anthony Flynn set up Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH) in 2013 due to the distress he felt at the sight of rough sleepers as he went home after work in Dublin’s north inner city. He began by giving out sandwiches and sleeping bags. Pretty soon, other volunteers came on board. Donations then began to flow in. This was at a time when the rough sleeper element of the housing and homeless crisis was the main focus of political and media attention.

Growth of ICHH