Waterford homeless service to extend opening hours on Christmas Day
"We are not going to send anyone out on Christmas Day to walk the streets," said Susie.
Waterford Helping the Homeless is extending its opening hours for Christmas Day.
The unit located beside the Maranatha Church in Poleberry will be open from morning to evening on Christmas Day.
Manager Susie Moran said that volunteers will be in early to prepare, open at 12:30pm and dinner will be around 2:30pm.
But it won’t be a 9-5 setup with the unit expecting to be open until 8pm or 9pm.
“We are not going to send anyone out on Christmas Day to walk the streets. Whenever the lads leave, we will leave,” said Susie.
Waterford Helping the Homeless is open in the city 365 days a year.
They provide breakfast six days a week and dinner on Sundays, as well as support for people who are homeless.
Susie said even if you have never visited before, you are welcome this Christmas.
“Everybody is welcome. This is not just for the homeless. This is for people who are lonely, people who have fallen on hard times anybody.
“If they want to spend Christmas with the group of us, they are welcome to do so. We would be delighted.
The group is run by volunteers and made possible by donations.
While homelessness is a year-round problem, each season brings its own challenges.
Waterford Helping the Homeless is seeking donations of hats and gloves, food items of any kind and soft drinks.
They also take financial donations through their GoFundMe page.
