REPRESENTATIVES from Pieta House and Students’ Union will be among those who will take part in a major protest against homelessness in Letterkenny on Saturday.
The non-political protest has been organised by Donegal Homeless and Housing Coalition (DHHC) in a bid to send a “clear message” to local and central government that homelessness exists in the county.
Finn O’Donnell, DHHC, said authorities must take immediate action to help those homeless, facing losing their home and those living in sub standard properties, potentially compromising their health.
Twenty six people are registered as homeless in Donegal, but Mr O’Donnell said that figure simply does not add up. He said those forced to ‘sofa surf’, stay with relatives or live in dire, unsuitable conditions are not being considered in these numbers.
He said figures he obtained under the Freedom of Information Act which show 915 households are on the housing waiting list, while 1603 are on the transfer list.
“People come to the council and other local authorities regarding their housing and they are made to wait and to keep waiting.
Hugh Friel, Travelling Community, Allie Gallagher, Donegal Housing and Homeless Coalition and Finn O’Donnell, DHHC.
“It’s like the council just want the problem and people suffering to simply go away. The waiting lists are rising, homelessness is rising and this is why we are protesting.
“We want to send a clear message to Donegal County Council as well as the current government that the housing crisis is happening here in Donegal and we want it dealt with. Not in ten years’ time, not next year, but tackle it now.”
Fellow DHHC representative, Allie Gallagher, also urged people from Donegal and the north west who are facing housing difficulties, evictions, high rents or enduring living in cramped and confined spaces to take part in the protest.
She said public support will be crucial.
“We are also urging all members of the public to please come and join in solidarity with everyone locally and nationally who are suffering in this homeless and housing crisis to send a clear message that the people of Donegal have had enough and will not be left behind when it comes to housing in the forgotten county. As the housing crisis rises, anyone of us could be affected at any time.”
The local protest comes after 10,000 people converged on the streets of Dublin, many including representatives from Donegal Homeless and Housing Coalition, for the ‘Raise the Roof’ campaign.
Representatives from Cara House, North West Simon Community and residents from Gort na Gréine housing estate, who are currently living in dire conditions enduring illegal dumping and rat infestations, will also be lending their support to demand action.
The protest takes place at Station Road Roundabout on Saturday, October 27, at 2pm.
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