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Simon Communities of Ireland

@simoncommunity.bsky.social
204 followers 126 following 261 posts

Working with people experiencing homelessness & housing insecurity. Registered Charity Number: 20020125

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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 18h
That's a wrap on Simon Week 2026! 🎬 This year, we brought the conversation about homelessness everywhere it needed to be; from conferences in Galway and Dublin, to meetings with Councillors, TDs, Senators and MEPs. There is still time to support the campaign 👇 www.simon.ie/campaigns2026/
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This is the worst it’s ever been. The latest figures show that 17,885 people were living in emergency accommodation in August 2026. 60 single adults and 358 more people than last month are recognised in these figures. This dramatic increase is totally unacceptable 📈 #SpéirGorm
17885 people in emergency homeless accommodation.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Today we are hosting our Simon Week 2026 national conference! Our conference will focus on how Ireland can utilise the EU Presidency to end homelessness in Ireland and across Europe 🇪🇺
Conference room full of attendees. Taken from the back of the room while Eileen Dunne, the events MC, stands at the podium with a welcome slide introducing the event.Eileen Dunne standing at the podium at the front of the conference room introducing Simon Week 2026
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
What is the One Big Push the Government can make to end homelessness in Europe? To wrap up our podcast series, Ber is joined by Freek Spinnewijn to consider which actions could turn the tide on homelessness 💬 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1RFP... Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Today marks the start of Simon Week 2026 At the heart of this year's campaign is a simple but urgent message: Homeless & Alone, One Big Push 💛 Across Ireland adults facing homelessness alone have been excluded. Let's fix it. Visit simon.ie/simonweek to learn how you can make a difference
simon.ie
Simon Week 2026 - Simon Communities in Ireland
Simon Week 2026 Homeless & Alone. One Big Push. Adults facing homelessness alone have been excluded. Let’s fix it. 21-25 September 2026 As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European U...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
President Catherine Connolly has become Patron of Simon Communities of Ireland 💛 We are honoured to welcome President Connolly as Patron and are grateful for her support of our work to end homelessness and ensure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home 🏘️ #SpéirGorm
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
How do our experiences shape the way we see the world? 🌍 In this episode Ber is joined by Séan Kinsella, who shares his lived experience of homelessness, and Fiona Brennan, clinical hypnotherapist and author. Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/30yP... Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
How can we remove stigma and shame from the experience of homelessness? 🎧 Ber Grogan is joined by Dermot McCann and Daragh Long to discuss dignity, respect and person-centred support in responses to homelessness 💛 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0BBn... Apple: apple.co/3Vhu67m
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Our Simon Week conference is officially fully booked! If you are interested in attending you can still join our waitlist to be notified if additional places become available 👇 www.eventbrite.ie/e/1989598049... Simon Week 2026 is proudly supported by Cash & Carry Kitchens.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Pull up a chair, the first episode of Around the Kitchen Table has arrived ☕ We begin with a conversation on the impact of Simon Community services on the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Galway and Dublin 🏡 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1DFj... Apple: apple.co/3UvMNE7 #SpéirGorm
Around the Kitchen Table with Ber Grogan. Episode one. The Frontline of the Homelessness Crisis. Proudly supported by Cash & Carry Kitchens.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
We're launching a podcast 🎙️ Around the Kitchen Table is a new podcast series in the lead-up to Simon Week 2026. Across four episodes, we'll bring together guest speakers and new voices to discuss homelessness in Ireland and across Europe, sharing perspectives, experiences, and ideas for change 🏡
Thumbnail for Around the Kitchen Table with Ber Grogan.
Photo of Ber features her smiling with the podcast title beside her image.
Other text on the graphic reads: Simon Week 2026, 21 - 25 Sept. Homeless & Alone. One big push. Proudly supported by Cash & Carry Kitchens.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Ireland’s homelessness crisis has deepened over the last decade, and there’s still no sense of urgency from Government. Today, the latest figures reveal that 17,527 people were living in emergency accommodation in July 2026. #SpéirGorm
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Interested in working with Simon Communities of Ireland? We are looking for an Event Rapporteur to support our work during our upcoming Simon Week 2026 conference. Applications close on Monday 17th August 👇 www.simon.ie/call-to-tend...
simon.ie
Call to Tender: Event Rapporteur - Simon Communities in Ireland
Work with Simon Communities of Ireland Job Title: Event Rapporteur About Simon:  The Simon Communities across Ireland are a network of independent communities across the country that provide homeless,...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The HAP system needs reform 🏡 Simon Communities of Ireland has been publishing Locked Out of the Market Reports for over ten years. These reports continue to show that HAP is not working, people are still locked out of the market. Read the Executive Summary 👇 www.simon.ie/e-publicatio...
Locked Out of the Market June 2026. 20 properties available under standard or discretionary HAP limits. 1303 properties available to rent in total. No properties to rent through HAP in 12 out of the 16 study areas.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Registration is open for our Simon Week 2026 Conference 🎉 This event forms part of our Homeless & Alone, One Big Push campaign, focusing on one question: How can Ireland use the EU Presidency to improve outcomes for people who are facing homelessness alone? www.eventbrite.ie/e/simon-week...
eventbrite.ie
Simon Week 2026
This year, Simon Week will focus on how Ireland can utilise the EU Presidency to reduce homelessness nationally and at an European level.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Today the Irish Homeless Policy Group (IHPG) will be attending a Joint Committee on European Union Affairs to discuss the role that Ireland can play during its Presidency in advancing European collaboration to end homelessness 🇪🇺 Tune in on Oireachtas TV 📺 www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachta...
oireachtas.ie
Oireachtas committee meeting live stream
Live stream of public Oireachtas committee meeting in committee room 2
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
17,447 people are experiencing homelessness 🏠 As homelessness continues to be a national emergency, the Simon Communities of Ireland is calling on Government to pause proposed changes to the Housing Act 1988, where the Minister intends to change eligibility for emergency accommodation. #SpéirGorm
Reads: 17,447 people in emergency accommodation. In the background, photo of a young man with his hand to his forehead as he sits in a public space.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
🚨 Seeking Research Participants 🚨 SCI are carrying out research on older adults with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. We want to understand: 🔸 Challenges faced finding & keeping a safe home 🔸 Difficulties accessing services 🔸 Changes needed to improve support
Seeking Research Participants. If you are interested in taking part, email Julia Corey at julia.corey@simoncommunity.com. We are looking to speak with people who have experience working with, or in the area of, older adults with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity to take part in a focus group discussion. Participation involves: Taking part in one online focus group discussion (via Zoom/Teams). Approximately 1 hour. Happening in June/July. Data will be anonymised. About the research: We want to better understand the challenges adults with disabilities over the age of 55 face with: Finding and keeping a safe home, How easy or hard it is to use housing and homelessness services, What changes are needed to improve support. This research is being conducted by the University of Galway in conjunction with the Simon Communities of Ireland. It is funded by the National Disability Authority.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Simon Communities of Ireland's Executive Director, Ber Grogan, is attending the National Economic Dialogue 2026 today as a Community Platform representative. Ber will be taking part in the Finance breakout session to highlight the importance of cross-departmental collaboration and resourcing.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
A huge thank you to everyone who ran for and supported Team Simon at the VHI Womens Mini Marathon this weekend 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ We are incredibly grateful for your fundraising efforts. Every euro raised will make a real difference in our work supporting people experiencing homelessness across Ireland 💛
Ber holds her VHI Women's Mini Marathon 2026 medal as she walks through the crowd. She is smiling up at the camera wearing a Simon Communities of Ireland TShirt.Nicola and her friend smile at the camera after recieving their VHI Women's Mini Marathon medals. Both are wearing Simon Communities of Ireland TShirts.A view from the back of the crowd as runners wait to approach the start line of the Mini Marathon.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Over the last two years, an average of four people a day have entered homelessness. The latest figures show 17,548 people were living in emergency accommodation in April, including 5,604 children. #SpéirGorm
Black and white background of pedestrians walking down a path. Text reads 17,548 people in emergency homeless accommodation.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Catch up on our latest SimonTalks Webinar! This discussion focuses on obstacles to accessing housing and homeless services 🏘️ We were joined by Adam Boyle for a legal perspective on the most common issues. Huge thank you to Adam for such an informative presentation. youtu.be/RxfM6RmRFqk
youtu.be
Know Your Rights: Overcoming Obstacles to Housing and Homeless Services
YouTube video by Simon Communities of Ireland
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Reposted by Simon Communities of Ireland
Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
For this month's #SimonTalks webinar, we will be focusing on your rights when navigating access to services. We will be joined by Adam Boyle, Solicitor, Mercy Law Resource Centre, to discuss common obstacles to accessing housing and homeless services. Register 👇 us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Graphic reads: #SimonTalks. Adam Boyle, Solicitor, Mercy Law Resource Centre. Know your rights: Overcoming obstacles to housing and homeless services. 25th May 2026. 10AM to 11AM.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
🗣️ Person-first language, does it really make a difference? At SCI, we wanted to know if language really made a difference in empathy and public attitudes towards homelessness. We commissioned a survey to ask just this. Read our latest blog for the results 👇 www.simon.ie/words-matter...
simon.ie
Words Matter: What our research tells us about language and homelessness  - Simon Communities in Ireland
Language shapes how we see the world, and the people in it. Something as simple as the way in which we use a phrase or a term can impact our views and perceptions. Across the homelessness sector, ther...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
For this month's #SimonTalks webinar, we will be focusing on your rights when navigating access to services. We will be joined by Adam Boyle, Solicitor, Mercy Law Resource Centre, to discuss common obstacles to accessing housing and homeless services. Register 👇 us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Graphic reads: #SimonTalks. Adam Boyle, Solicitor, Mercy Law Resource Centre. Know your rights: Overcoming obstacles to housing and homeless services. 25th May 2026. 10AM to 11AM.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Taking part in the VHI Mini Marathon? Still haven't set up a fundraiser? 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ There is still time to join Team Simon! 💛 www.idonate.ie/cause/SimonC...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Bye-elections are being held in Dublin Central and Galway West to fill two seats in the Dáil that have become vacant. Polling day will take place on 22nd May in both constituencies 🗳️ SCI urge voters to keep the homelessness & housing crisis in mind when filling their ballots. 🧵 1/3 #SpéirGorm
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Yesterday our Executive Director had the pleasure of visiting the Simon Community NI team and learning more about their services 💛 Simon Community NI do incredible work to support people experiencing homelessness in the Northern Ireland. We look forward to working together more in the future!
Ber Grogan, SCI's Executive Director, with Frances Black and Kirsten Hewitt. They all stand in the doorway of a Simon Community NI service, smiling at the camera.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
How high must the numbers climb before we acknowledge that we have reached a crisis point? It’s unconscionable to think that 17,517 people are living in emergency accommodation in Ireland in 2026. These latest figures mark a staggering increase of 2,099 in emergency accommodation since March 2025.
In yellow text: 17,517 people in emergency homeless accommodation. In the background, the Simon Communities of Ireland logo and a black and white image of a rural irish town.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
We have published our first Locked Out of the Market report of 2026 🔑 For the second report in a row there were no HAP properties available in 10 of the 16 areas studied 🚫 #Spéirgorm
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Consultations for the RIAI Simon Open Door Campaign start today 🙌 For €125 you can get 1-to-1 advice from a registered architect on your home 🏡 Every euro raised directly supports people affected by homelessness. Book your spot to make a real difference 💛 www.riaisimonopendoor.ie
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Don't miss out on your chance to book in for a consultation with a Registered Architect! 🏘️ Our RIAI Simon Open Door campaign starts next week, with consultations taking place nationwide from the 13th - 19th April. Book in for your consultation today 👉 www.riaisimonopendoor.ie
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
The latest figures show that 17,308 people were living in emergency accommodation in February 2026. A staggering increase of 1,930 since February last year. The consistent monthly trend of the increase in these figures begs the question: Has homelessness become normalised? #Spéirgorm
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Thank you to the Grey Matters podcast team for featuring our Executive Director, Ber Grogan, on their latest episode! Tune in as Terry and Ber discuss why Ireland’s over 65s are one of the fastest growing cohorts of people entering emergency accommodation. open.spotify.com/episode/61F6...
open.spotify.com
The Growing Crisis of Older Homelessness
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Didn't make our latest Simon Talks webinar on Usher's Island with Naomi Nicholson? The full webinar on Dublin Simon's new facility has been uploaded to our YouTube channel 👇 youtu.be/X8LkacV0Vds
youtu.be
Usher's Island: Dublin Simon's Low Threshold and Addiction Care Facility
YouTube video by Simon Communities of Ireland
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Simon Communities of Ireland warmly welcomes the progression of the long-awaited and overdue Spent Convictions Bill. We are grateful to Senator Lynn Ruane for championing this issue for so many years and to Minister Jim O'Callaghan. www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bil...
oireachtas.ie
Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018
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Reposted by Simon Communities of Ireland
Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Join us for our upcoming #SimonTalks webinar on Usher's Island, Dublin Simon Community's low threshold health & addiction care facility. We will be joined by Naomi Nicholson to discuss the Usher's Island service & their clinical and therapeutic recovery pathways. 🔗 us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The new rental regulations took effect on March 1st, but what do they mean? For many people renting in Ireland, understanding these changes can be confusing. Our latest blog goes into more detail on the basic things any renter needs to know about the new regulations. 🔗 www.simon.ie/what-the-new...
simon.ie
What the New Rental Laws Mean for Tenants in Ireland - Simon Communities in Ireland
Understanding the recent changes to rental laws can be confusing. This blog explains some of the updates to rental rules from March 1st 2026.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Our celebration of women this #IWD26 must be grounded in honesty about who is being left behind. In Ireland and across the EU, homelessness is affecting women in often unseen ways. In our latest blog we explore the intersectionality of women experiencing homelessness 👇 www.simon.ie/the-thousand...
simon.ie
The Thousand's of Women Who Are Experiencing Homelessness Need Action, Not Words - Simon Communities in Ireland
As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, our celebration of women’s achievements must be grounded in honesty about who is being left behind.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Mini Marathon registrations go live at 11am! Places are expected to fill up quickly so don't miss out 🏃‍♀️ We would love for you to take part and join Team Simon in our work to tackle homelessness 💛 🔗 www.simon.ie/fundraising/...
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Reposted by Simon Communities of Ireland
Social Justice Ireland @socialjusticeire.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Listen to the latest episode in our SJI Interview Series, where we speak with Ber Grogan, Executive Director of @simoncommunity.bsky.social, and Carol Baumann, CEO of the Galway Simon Community about their recent report, Older Adult #Homelessness in #Ireland - www.socialjustice.ie/article/soci...
socialjustice.ie
Social Justice Matters Podcast - Ber Grogan and Carol Baumann, Simon Communities Of Ireland on Older Adult Homelessness in Ireland | Social Justice Ireland
Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland and Carol Baumann, CEO of Galway Simon Community talk through their recent report :…
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Join us for our upcoming #SimonTalks webinar on Usher's Island, Dublin Simon Community's low threshold health & addiction care facility. We will be joined by Naomi Nicholson to discuss the Usher's Island service & their clinical and therapeutic recovery pathways. 🔗 us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
17,112 people living in emergency accommodation. Since January 2025, the data shows a staggering increase of 1,826 people in emergency accommodation. It is unacceptable that this crisis is deepening, particularly among single adults who are the largest cohort in emergency beds. #Spéirgorm
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Lace up and get ready! 🏃‍♀️ Registration for the VHI Women's Mini Marathon opens next Wednesday & we’d love you to run or walk with SCI 💛 By joining our team, you’ll be raising funds to support our work in ending homelessness. 📅 Mark your calendar! Registration opens 4th March be ready to sign up!
A group of women and girls pose together, some with their dogs, smiling before they go for their run. They are wearing Simon Communities of Ireland t-shirts.
Photo reads: Join Team Simon. Women's Mini Marathon, Dublin City Centre. 12:30PM on the 31st May 2026.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
We’re incredibly proud to share that Simon Communities of Ireland has been named an Official Charity Partner of the GAA! 🏐 We’re honoured to stand alongside fellow charity partners, Cancer Fund for Children, Engaging Dementia, & AsIAm, as we work together to strengthen communities across Ireland 🤝
Our Executive Director, Ber Grogan, and our Head of Strategic Giving, Nicola Byrne, stand together pitchside at Croke Park.

Ber is wearing a pink suit with a Simon Community T-shirt. Both are smiling and pointing to the logo.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Our latest Locked Out of the Market report shows just how stark the reality is for people who rely on HAP 🏘️ There were no HAP properties available in 10 of the 16 areas studied. #Spéirgorm
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
16,734 people were living in emergency accommodation in December 2025, including 5,188 children 📉 While any reduction in homelessness is welcome, it must be sustained, continuous and on a larger scale. There are serious concerns that numbers are set to rise again in the coming months. #Spéirgorm
Black and white photo of a child’s toy bunny sits scattered amongst other toys. Yellow text overlays the image reading: 16,734 People in emergency homeless accommodation.
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Missed out on our latest #SimonTalks webinar with Conor O'Toole? Our discussion on the Economic & Housing Outlook has been uploaded to YouTube 👇 youtu.be/FsKa8nZIUd4
youtu.be
Ireland's Economic & Housing Market Outlook: Risks and Opportunities in 2026
YouTube video by Simon Communities of Ireland
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Simon Communities of Ireland @simoncommunity.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Join us at 10am on Tuesday 27th for our first #SimonTalks webinar of the year! 💻 There is still time to register 👇 us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Reposted by Simon Communities of Ireland
President of Ireland @president.ie · 19/01/2026
Today, President Connolly officially launched the Simon Communities of Ireland ‘Older Adult Homelessness in Ireland’ report on older people retiring into homelessness, at the University of Galway 📸 Mike Shaughnessy
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