Depaul launches urgent ‘Home for Christmas’ appeal as homelessness figures soar

Depaul, the cross-border homelessness charity supporting almost 10,000 people across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland each year, has today launched their ‘Home for Christmas’ appeal, asking the public to reflect on one poignant question: “What if you had no Home for Christmas?”

As we approach Christmas and the prospect of warm fires, gifts, good food and time off to spend with loved ones, it’s easy to forget those who may not have a home for Christmas. Through the ‘Home for Christmas’ campaign, Depaul urges the people of Ireland to build hope and help provide the foundations for a real home for those living in emergency homelessness accommodation for months or years on end. 

Through their 43 services on the island of Ireland, Depaul provides safe accommodation, wraparound mental health and addiction supports and stability for 800 people every night, who would otherwise have nowhere to go.

The aspiration of a long-term home is the long-term hope for every one of Depaul’s service users. Every donation will directly support Depaul’s frontline work across Ireland: helping to provide beds, nourishing meals and emergency care in the short term, and funding the long-term supports so that people experiencing homelessness this Christmas can move into secure, independent housing.

Across Northern Ireland, thousands of children and adults will spend the festive season without a place to truly call home. Homelessness in Northern Ireland is at an all-time high, with 5,220 households living in temporary accommodation (a 206% increase since 2017), including over 4,700 children. 

In 2024 alone, Depaul supported almost 10,000 people across its services in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. While most of the country prepares to return home for Christmas, thousands will have no home to return to, a stark reminder of the growing crisis and the urgent need for support. Despite these challenges, Depaul helped over 1,000 people move out of homelessness and into long-term accommodation last year. Proof that every act of support helps to rebuild lives.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Home for Christmas’ Appeal, Deirdre Canavan, Senior Services Manager at Depaul, said: “Christmas is about coming home – about safety, warmth and belonging. But for thousands of people across Ireland, there’s no door to open and no place to call home. Our fundraising appeal seeks not just to provide immediate relief but to foster long-term solutions. This campaign asks everyone to pause, imagine that reality, and act.

“Every donation to Depaul this Christmas helps us lay the foundations for change: safe accommodation, a hot meal, mental health support, or the keys to a new beginning. With enough public support, we can help more people find their way home.”

Former Depaul service users Catriona and Christopher, who recently moved into their own home after years of homelessness, said: “Before, Christmas meant fear and uncertainty. We spent years homeless, moving between temporary places and never ever feeling settled.

“Depaul didn’t just give us shelter, they gave us a chance. This year, for the first time in a long time, we’ll be ‘home for Christmas’ - and that means everything to us.

“No adult, and certainly no child, should ever have to face Christmas without a place to call home. We know how hard that is, and we wouldn’t wish it on anyone. We’re asking people to please, please support Depaul this Christmas, because your help can give someone else the same chance we were given – the chance to go home.”

Members of the public can visit https://ie.depaulcharity.org/our-impact/campaigns/home-for-christmas/ and make a donation that contributes to the building of a home by funding the essential supports that make one. Donations of all sizes will help to provide vital supports across Depaul’s services – from emergency accommodation and family hubs to mental health and addiction support.

Every donation, big or small, builds hope and can significantly impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness this festive season, helping to ensure that more people have somewhere to call home this Christmas and the next.

Reflecting on the escalating homelessness crisis and appealing to the public, Deirdre Canavan added: “The truth is, it’s becoming harder and harder to make a Home for Christmas. With the resources we have, we do everything we can, but it’s the generosity of the public that allows us to keep going. Every gift helps someone feel safe tonight and gives them hope for tomorrow.

This is about more than providing a bed or a meal. It’s about giving people back their sense of belonging, their sense of home. That’s what every donation really builds – hope, dignity, and the chance to start again. We ask people the simple question – “What if you had nowhere to come home to this Christmas?”, and to act now.”

Depaul are urging the public to donate now.