A new beginning for Waterford Helping the Homeless
What could have been a disaster for local homeless charity turned into something really exciting for Waterford Helping the Homeless. Stock Image.
“We have some very sad news. We are now also homeless…” That quote is from a post on Facebook by one of the city’s most important projects, Waterford Helping the Homeless, last Monday.
The group have been based in a unit beside the Marantha Church in Poleberry since 2019.
The unit was on loan, but now the church needs it back, and that means Waterford Helping the Homeless must move on.
But this is not as manager Susie Moran says, “a story of devastation,” but one of hope, faith and the power of a community working together.
Twenty-four hours after that post, the group had a new home, but that’s not all.
The Waterford News and Star visited the current unit in Poleberry to hear more about the future of Waterford Helping the Homeless.
The new location will be on Coffee House Lane at the back of Friendship Works Men’s Shed.
And with a new home comes a new lease of life.
“We were in shock when we realised we had to leave here. But doors opened. When our backs were up against the wall, God showed up and we got a place and we are delighted,” said Susie.
The unit belongs to the men’s shed who came to the rescue when Waterford Helping the Homeless most needed a friend.
“Frank is a lovely, lovely man and is thrilled to have us,” said Susie.
The Coffee House Lane location has a few advantages and comforts.
Of course it is more central, which means new opportunities.
“Its going to be a friendship café. Waterford Helping the Homeless and Friendship Café.
"So, it won’t just be for the homeless, but the public can pop in.
"Anyone can pop in and see what we do. So, a little bit of twist.
“We are looking forward to it, to new beginnings,” said Susie.
Friendship Cafe Waterford Helping the Homeless provide breakfast Monday to Saturday and dinner on Sundays for people who are homeless.
It doesn’t matter what part of the county they are from; the group will welcome them in with chat and a meal, and they do so on donations and volunteers.
But the group are on the frontline of a growing crisis which overlaps with other issues like cost of living and loneliness.
“Some people come in for a chat. They could be suffering with their mental health and want a little friendship. That’s what we want.
“Because here is very much friendship-based and as I have always said, I am no different to anybody who comes in here.
“We are all just friends,” said Susie.
The unit will offer the group an opportunity to show that homeless people are regular people.
There are those who cause trouble and then most don’t, just like in wider society.
Susie said a lot of people fear the homeless.
“They are absolutely beautiful people, and these are the people who want the likes of you, Shannon, to come in and have a coffee,” said Susie.
Volunteer Sean said they do not ask questions. It doesn’t matter the struggle, the story or the nationality; Waterford Helping the Homeless will be open to them.
They know they can help and they want the community to get to know them as people and not a stereotype.
“I think for people going through a hard time, just being able to go somewhere, sit down and have something to eat makes a big difference. And you don’t know that person might be back on their feet and look back at the place that helped,” said Volunteer Alan.
Susie told us that three people who have used the service messaged her recently to tell her that they are all back at work- “so three good news stories.”
There was also a little bit of sadness, as the volunteers remembered one service user, Liam, who passed away recently.
“Liam was lovely, Liam Butler. Liam wasn’t homeless, but he used to come here every single morning just for a coffee and friendship and he used to say, ‘Even if I never ate anything, I’d come down for the chat.’ “He used to tell us he was the devil [he’s an angel now, said Dan]. Yeah, he is an angel now.
“He is terribly missed and it's just sad you know that he won’t be coming to our new place with us,” said Susie.
“We will take the memories with us,” said Alan, to which Susie said, “Yeah, we will.”
Waterford Helping the Homeless are now in the process of moving and will be in their new place on or before October 1.
The new unit is not quite as big as the one in the Maranatha Church, so they are looking for people to take some of their furniture.
They have kitchen cabinets, counters, and other household stuff which they would give for a donation so if you need something, reach out.
Susie said she has seen how supportive people have been over the past few days, and the group really appreciates it.
From everyone who has reached out and shared the post to the people who come every month with donations, Waterford Helping the Homeless thanks them.
They also thank the Marantha Church for allowing the use of their unit over the past few years.
“I know we are going to have a brilliant start; I know we are. And it's just to say thanks to everyone.
“We just want the public to know where we are, and we are still continuing to do what we are doing and the lads are all excited about the move.
Waterford Helping the Homeless are really looking forward to Winterval, when Waterford becomes a winter wonderland.
And they will now be in the thick of the festivities.
“I know it’s a few months away, but just to mention Christmas, that is really going to be a lovely time,” said Alan.
And as Volunteer Dan said, “Susie’s angels are moving.”
