Charity helped 39 people move on from Ballyhaunis DP centre

‘WE ARE HAPPY NOW’ Sibusiso Lowrene, who was helped as part of a new initiative run by Depaul in collaboration with the Government.

Accommodation sourced for 13 adults and 26 children who were granted legal status

Homeless charity Depaul has revealed that it helped source move-on accommodation for 39 people who were living in the Old Convent Direct-Provision Centre at Ballyhaunis in 2019. Depaul provided in-reach support as part of a new initiative that was set up by the Department of Justice at the beginning of the year.
Throughout 2019, Depaul worked with families and individuals who had been granted legal status to remain in Ireland, in the process enabling them to begin integration into local communities. The Old Convent accommodates 245 residents, making it the fifth-largest Direct Provision centre in Ireland.
Depaul’s CEO David Carroll explained: “We are aware through our own research that there are people who have previously been in Direct Provision accessing homeless accommodation. That is why we feel this initiative is so important, as it mitigates the risk of people ending up in homeless services once they have been given the legal right to stay in Ireland.
“There are challenges in sourcing accommodation for everyone in the current housing market, but those leaving accommodation centres face particular challenges, including language difficulties and issues filling out forms. To see people and families finally have a place to call home here in Ireland after many years of waiting and to know we played a part in that is a great thing.”
Secretary of the Department of Justice and Equality Aidan O’Driscoll has praised the charity’s efforts. “I very much welcome the valuable work being done by Depaul in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Equality,” he said. “This initiative is one that my Department is proud to support, as it assists people with permission to remain in Ireland to move out of accommodation centres and into mainstream housing in our communities, enabling them to begin the next chapter in their life.
“Working with Depaul, my Department hopes to continue this initiative and looks forward to further collaboration and progress in assisting new members of Irish society to source more permanent homes.”

Sibusiso’s story
Sibusiso Lowrene, a single mother with two young children, was supported in moving out of direct-provision living and into the community. She came to Ireland in February 2016 after fleeing her home country of Zimbabwe due to conflict and civil unrest.
“We are happy now,” she said. “When we first came to Ireland, my kids were telling me ‘Mammy, let’s go back’. This is painful. Living in Direct Provision was a real challenge. I told them you need to be patient, one day things will change. They didn’t understand at the time.
“I am working as a carer now and I am really happy to be contributing and being a part of the community. The support Depaul gave me, they showed me I can still do more than what I was expecting.
“I just want the best life for my kids. To go to school and have their own families and not to live the life I lived. I know they are here (Ireland) and they are free.”