A pregnant homeless woman living in a park tent is facing the prospect of being sent back there this weekend.
Cassie Murphy, who has been camped up with her partner Christopher in Dublin’s Phoenix Park since August, has spoken of her fears for her baby.
The Coolock, Dublin native was told by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) on Monday they would have to wait 12 months for a couple’s bed.
The pair were put up in a emergency hostel room for three nights on Wednesday night after the Irish Mirror highlighted their plight.
But the 29 year-old, who has nowhere to stay from Saturday, on Thursday said: “I was relieved when we got the accommodation and I was just happy to have somewhere safe and to be out of the cold.
“And I even noticed then on Wednesday night because I wasn’t in the cold that the baby was kicking more.”
Cassie, who is facing more uncertainty from tomorrow, continued: “[But], I’d say to the council it’d help a lot to be out of the cold for the baby’s health more than my own.”
Tony Walsh, the CEO of Feed Our Homeless, telephoned the Dublin Region Assertive Street Outreach Service (operated by Dublin Simon Community) on Tuesday night.
He was told there were only two single hostel dorm beds and no couple’s beds in the system, but further calls on Wednesday led to a breakthrough.
That development came after the DRHE had been contacted for comment on Cassie’s plight in the Phoenix Park by the Irish Mirror.
Cassie said: “I think it happened and we got the place on Blessington Street is because the story was coming and with Tony ringing them.”
The mum-to-be and her partner had been paying €1,350 a month for an apartment in Dublin’s Glasnevin up until last August but were told it was being sold.
The couple said they were given just seven days notice and Christopher, 48, stressed he has sent hundreds of emails enquiring about vacant properties without success.
They said they have heard nothing back and they are convinced the fact they are on HAP [housing assistance payment] has been a factor.
