Hello everyone! I will be partaking in a 136km cycle from ucd campus to wexford on the 26th of september in aid of the peter mcverry trust, who work with people affected by homelessness and drug issues, with a focus on young people. 

 This is a problem that has spiraled out of control since the economic crash of 2008, after which over the next 6 years to 2014 spending on social housing was cut by 72% (1.38 billion to 390 million). At that point the numbers of homeless was estimated at around 3,950. 1 year later this figure was up 43% to around 4,700. In December of last year it had rose again by 36% to 7150. As of May 2017 it is estimated that around 7,700 people were trying to access emergency accomadtion. And included in these figures is roughy 2,777 children, and even more sadly this doesnt include people who are sleeping rough and other small groups who cant be accounted for.

These sickening figures go on and on and the sad reality is that it still isnt being addressed seriously by our government, so its up to us to do something! That doesnt mean just donating to this cause, but it means starting to talk about this issue seriously as a society, do some research and spread awareness as much as we can! But if you are looking for somewere to start this is a brilliant place obviously! 

It has been said to death but literally anything you can spare can make a difference, weather its 2 euro or 20 get donating and I will post updates about how we are going! Also if you are looking for more info on the subject you can go to the following websites to find out more or donate directly. Much love and thanks to all who take notice and participate!!

https://www.pmvtrust.ie/news-media/facts-and-figures/

https://www.focusireland.ie/resource-hub/about-homelessness/

http://www.simon.ie/MobileSplash.aspx

Some facts and thoughts on social care and its role in homelessness

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.iasw.ie/attachments/Diarmaid_Twomey_Homeless.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjtwbDh45PVAhUiAcAKHXHhDUIQFggpMAQ&usg=AFQjCNEp2-l5j_0RRNpPFvhFow1NdD2SGQ