Do You See the #InvisibleIreland?

For those who live in Ireland you’ll know that homelessness is a big problem.

Right now there are more than 5,000 homeless people in Ireland and the problem is particularly acute in Dublin where 139 people sleep rough every night, 7 people become homeless each day and on a monthly basis 16 families lose their home. For many homeless people this Christmas they’ll have no tree, no present and no family.

How can you help?

Around this time of year many people make a donation to charity, but my good friend Peter Mc Neive is taking things a step further this Christmas by making the invisible, visible with the launch of Invisible Ireland. It’s a non-profit movement that wants to raise awareness of homelessness in Ireland and doesn’t solicit or accept donations — instead it encourages people to help. It’s completely up to the individual how they want to get involved.

Homelessness is undoubtedly a complex issue and often involves addiction, mental illness, family breakdown or a combination of all three. Invisible Ireland isn’t looking to raise money (there are plenty of charities doing that) — instead it wants raise awareness of homelessness. People can show their support with a single Tweet.

Peter said: “There are more than 5,000 people sleeping rough each night in Ireland and with Christmas Day fast-approaching, I wanted to do something that would make people stop, think and decide how they can help out. We’re not looking for spare change — we’re just asking people to spare a thought for those who will be on the streets this Christmas.”

To show your support visit www.invisibleireland.com and send a Tweet featuring the #InvisibleIreland hashtag. You never know your message may inspire someone to help.

Merry Christmas.