(This marks the sixth in a series of 10 Vincentian family projects that will be described by Fr. Robert Maloney, Chair of the Systemic Change initiative in the Vincentian Family.)
A large number of homeless people are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Because of this, it is difficult for them to find housing. Many shelters turn away anyone who has an ongoing or active history of substance abuse. But sleeping on the streets, especially during winter, is often dangerous, even fatal. Knowing this, the Clancy Night Shelter, funded by Society of Saint Vincent de Paul-run DePaul Trust and the Homeless Agency, opened its doors in February 2001.
The Night Shelter was originally conceived to be a cold-weather project, catering specifically to young men and women, ages 18 to 35, with a history of substance abuse – the first and only project of its kind in Dublin. Although it had intended to close for the warm-weather months beginning in April, it received an extension for a further 3 months. In July of that year, it found mainstream funding so that it was able to remain open year-round.
The Clancy Night Shelter opens its doors daily from 5pm to 9:30am (10am on weekends). The atmosphere is very flexible, with rules at a minimum, but with enough structure to address the needs of the people who stay there. Residents share rooms with one other person for an evening and are offered a cooked evening meal and breakfast.
While the Shelter prohibits the possession or use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the premises, a history of substance abuse does not preclude anyone from staying, even if they cannot prove they are presently clean. Residents who stay are assigned a social worker who educates them on good health practices, addresses substance abuse, and orients them toward finding the next night’s accommodation. Clancy Night Shelter also has a full-time nurse on the premises to help resolve residents’ health issues directly or provide referrals for them.
In addition to supplying a roof over residents’ heads and addressing their other physical needs, the Shelter takes a holistic approach toward them. Staff members show respect to all who stay. They refrain from searching individuals upon entry. They knock before entering their rooms. A full-time pastoral development worker is also available on the premises to assist the staff and residents. The absence of a policy of strict abstinence from drugs and alcohol means that men and women are more likely to approach the Shelter and engage with the staff in care planning – that is, they are more likely to take advantage of the holistic assistance offered by the Shelter.
By assessing and addressing an individual’s needs, the Clancy Night Shelter helps the homeless of Dublin help themselves, bringing systemic change to the lives of those with nowhere else to turn.
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