Simon Communities annual House of Cards appeal

With the festive season underway, many people are feeling greater than normal financial strain. The cost-of-living crisis, further compounded by Ireland’s rent crisis and housing shortage mean that soaring electricity bills and higher rents have families reimagining this year’s Christmas as an increasingly modest affair.

While this pressure is palpable across the entire population, those experiencing homelessness or on the brink of becoming homeless are particularly vulnerable, many of whom are finding themselves in this position for the very first time. Young families and elderly renters alike are facing the prospect of their first Christmas without a home, desperately searching for solutions with little to no options available.

At present we have the highest number of people ever recorded in emergency accommodation in our nation’s history. With a total of 11,397 people presenting to emergency services including an emerging older demographic, this coupled with the shrinking rental market means that the urgency to help those in need is at an all-time high.

For over 50 years the Simon Communities of Ireland have strived to end long-term homelessness, relying on the generosity of the general public to help enforce this mission. However, in recent years this feat has proved more challenging than ever before, as these communities have grappled with the unprecedented obstacles associated with a global pandemic, shortly followed by a cost of living and ever-worsening housing crisis.

Now is the time for a cohesive, age friendly healthcare system

---

How your legacy gift to Concern Worldwide leaves a better future for some of the world’s poorest families

---

Good governance is critical for effective healthcare investigations

---

Joined-up IT means medics have more time to focus on patient care

---

Despite their relentless efforts, the Simon Communities’ fundraising initiatives have inevitably been impacted by these strange and turbulent times, which has jeopardised their ability to deliver vital lifesaving services. Across the country, there are 24,000 vulnerable people relying on their street outreach, emergency accommodation, harm reduction, health and wellbeing services, prevention, resettlement, food banks, soup runs, drop-in centres, personal development, education and employment services.

While these facilities are essential in ending homelessness, they are only possible with the invaluable support of donors and volunteers. Over the years, the generosity of businesses and retailers has been the lifeblood in keeping these vital services running.

The annual Simon House of Cards Appeal, now running for over 20 years, has witnessed first-hand the incredible kindness and generosity of spirit of the Irish business and retail community over the decades. With this year being no exception, the Simon Communities are once again, appealing for their crucial support to help over 24,000 people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives.

Stephanie Nolan, manager of Simon House of Cards Appeal, urges Ireland’s business community to join forces to aid those most in need this Christmas: “During these difficult times we are asking our businesses to come together and help those who are newly vulnerable to the possibility of facing their first Christmas without a home.”

“The support we receive from the House of Cards Campaign is pivotal in the functioning of our lifesaving services. With this year proving increasingly challenging, your contribution is needed now more than ever to save the lives of real people facing devasting realities.”

What is the Simon House of Cards Appeal?

Run in association with the Irish Times, the Simon House of Cards Appeal asks businesses to not just send a card this Christmas, but to address a problem. By pledging their support of €100 or more to the campaign, companies will receive branded, custom-made, festive e-cards and web banners to share with client’s friends and family as a way of showing their contribution to the cause.

In addition to this the Simon Communities offer a selection of support packages featuring additional tokens of thanks. These include the opportunity for company logos or listings to be featured in two full-page adverts in The Irish Times, alongside acknowledgement on The Irish Times’ online business section.

The Platinum Package

By donating between €10,000 - €15,000, companies will receive a large placement of their logo in The Irish Times full page print ad along with their logo’s inclusion on The Irish Times Business digital takeover. The Simon Communities also acknowledge these significant contributions by sharing on their social media platforms.

The Gold Package

Donate between €7,000 - €9,500 to receive a medium-sized logo placement in a full-page print ad and digital takeover as well as a mention on social media channels.

The Silver Package

Donations between €3,500 - €5,500 are awarded a large company listing on a full-page print ad and digital takeover in addition to an acknowledgement on social media.

The Bronze Package

Contributions of €1,500 - €3,000 receive a small company listing on a full-page print ad and an acknowledgement on social channels.

To get involved in this year’s House of Cards Campaign, contact the team by emailing hoc@dubsimon.ie or calling 01-672 8966. To view the entire e-card collection or request a call-back visit houseofcards.ie. For more information visit Dublin Simon.