Jesuit workers help refugees facing homelessness

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS Ireland) is responding to the imminent closure of the largest Direct Provision centre in Dublin by significantly increasing support for affected residents. Staff from JRS Ireland and the Peter Mcverry Trust are now present 5 days per week, providing full time outreach and support to affected individuals and families.

Clondalkin Towers, which accommodates over 200 men, women and children will close on 3rd December 2018. Last week, the Department of Justice informed residents still awaiting a final decision on their application for protection that they will be moved to other centres throughout Ireland.

However, approximately 60 refugees and other persons with permission to remain in Ireland and who are living in the centre, will not be offered alternative accommodation when the centre closes. They could be facinig homelessness this Christmas.

Eugene Quinn, JRS Ireland National Director said, “We are devastated for those affected. It is a huge disappointment. We will be continuing the work we do in the centre with the Peter McVerry Trust in helping people access housing, increasing our service there to assist with the inevitable transition issues.”

Since April 2017 JRS Ireland has been working in partnership with the Peter McVerry Trust in Clondalkin Towers to deliver the AMIF-funded PATHS Project, which supports refugees and persons with status to exit Direct Provision and integrate into local communities. Despite the challenges of the housing crisis, the project has assisted nearly 100 individuals to leave Direct Provision and access independent accommodation.

Mr Quinn continued,“Increased resources have been mobilised to safeguard the wellbeing and dignity of residents and all 60 persons under threat of homelessness have been brought onto the PATHS Project.”