Charity provides new homes to six elderly people in time for Christmas
ALONE have handed the keys of five newly renovated houses to six elderly people in time for Christmas.
Four single older people and one elderly couple have moved into the newly refurbished homes.
The charity that supports older people in need bought the houses using funds awarded to them under the Capital Assistance Scheme.
Sean Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer of ALONE said: "We are delighted to have provided these six older people the safety and dignity of home in time for Christmas. It has been a challenge to get these houses purchased and ready, in just five months, but we are delighted to be able to move all six people in before the 24th.
"Over the past two weeks we furnished the houses to an age-friendly standard ready for their new ALONE residents. We believe in providing quality, comfortable housing for older people, but equally importantly we believe in housing with supports."
Mr Moynihan also said that many people remain homeless and much more needs to be done.
He said: "We’re hopeful that in 2015, the Government will address the serious shortage of housing with supports for our ageing population, and that promises made in the recent budget will be followed through."
ALONE plan to double their housing capacity over the next three years and are asking members of the public to support their campaign by donating online at www.alone.ie or contacting 01 679 1032.
Moynihan spoke of the risk of isolation faced by the elderly around Christmas time.
He said: "170,000 older Irish people live alone, which makes them vulnerable to isolation. This winter we are reminding the notoriously generous Irish public, to check in on their older neighbours, for a cup of tea, a quick word of kindness or just to see if they need a lift to the shops.
"No one deserves to be lonely at Christmas."
