Two young women and more are braving the cold weather conditions in Dublin on Friday night to raise awareness and badly needed funds for the homeless.
The daughters of Dublin Bay South Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews will take part in the 12-hour sleep out but have kicked off a GoFundMe which has already smashed its target of €3,000.
Saoirse-Mai and Siobhra Andrews are also asking others to join in with the fundraiser and urging people to give whatever they can, no matter how big or small, to the important campaign.
The 19-year-old and 21-year-old's help for the homeless will happen just over one day after one person died at a Private Emergency Accommodation facility in the city centre on Wednesday night.
The information on the fundraiser says: "Myself, Saoirse-Mai and Oscar will be doing a sleepout beside the Dáil on the 18th of December from 7pm-7am to raise awareness and money for the homeless crisis in Ireland.
"Homeless deaths in Ireland have risen by 35% this year. Over 50 people have died on the streets in 2020 and the year is not over yet.
"Poor conditions of homeless shelters, structural, institutional, relationship and personal causes has forced people to sleep on the streets.
"Figures that have been released by the DRHE have shown that 234 adults are unable to get an emergency bed and that there are 3,385 adults and 2,335 children in emergency accommodation.
"This brings the total population of homeless people in Dublin to 5,954 and these figures are rising."
It continues: "We will be giving the money raised to Mendicity Institution. Mendicity is a charity that does not receive any statutory funding. It is their mission to disrupt and prevent homelessness by enabling and empowering individuals to become self-sufficient members of their communities.
"It creates opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, isolation and marginalization through their many services such as their employment and integration service and the Mendicity workshop.
"On top of these services they provide people experiencing homelessness with food, clothes, shelter and companionship."
It added: "Any donation big or small is greatly appreciated, please help us in the fight to end homelessness. Everything will be done in line with public health advice. Thank you!"
If you wish to donate or want to find out more information about the fundraiser, you can find that here.
