Category: Letters to the Irish Times

Madam, – At one of the bleakest times in recent history, while witnessing many people who have lost everything, even dreams of a better future, it was refreshing to read the piece by Agnes Aylward (Opinion, December 3rd).

It would be very easy to forget we are a tiny island and yet produce the greatest of artists, sports people, thinkers and entrepreneurs, who have had an impact world wide. Why then is the debate about where we are limited to a small number of recycled experts with a very narrow vision of the world? In this technological age many do not have the facility to express their views and feelings about where we are as a nation and what is possible – this causing even more frustration.

We in Trust have been working with people who are homeless for over 35 years and witness daily hope, despair and resilience to keep going. On a daily basis, too, we experience the goodwill and support of people from all walks of life, from throughout the island of Ireland who make our work possible. We witness the most amazing generosity which we have no doubt is replicated throughout our island.

The Christmas period challenges us all to look at where we are, not just to look for money. It is worth reflecting on the issues raised by Ms Aylward, particularly her plea that “nobody in any position of influence should encourage hopelessness . . . but light the candle”. We surely owe this much to each other. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director Co-Founder,

Trust,

Bride Road,

Dublin 8.

Madam, – Reporting on the “Pathway to Home” policy (August 10th), Jamie Smyth’s findings come as no surprise to some voluntary and statutory agencies working in the field of homelessness.

Those who have pointed out the need for caution and the pitfalls of such a plan – with emphasis on privatisation of services across the board, insufficient support services for the most vulnerable people in society (especially those with mental health problems), and the drive to move people to the suburbs – have been seen as part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

Can we now accept that everyone coming from prisons or psychiatric hospitals can return to live in welcoming communities? After all, many people who find themselves homeless are homeless because they didn’t feel welcome in the area they called home.

Anyone walking the streets of Dublin can clearly see there is a problem with emergency hostels being closed (including a longstanding HSE-run hostel for women) at a time when the number of people seeking emergency accommodation is increasing.

It is well documented that every night the emergency services now provide shelter to a significant number of immigrants. These people are being excluded from the debate and are therefore not part of “the plan”. Similarly, those people who have not conformed to the specifications of “the plan” now find themselves more marginalised. The poor could find they are once again going to be left out, or worse still, blamed for the situation we find ourselves in.

Putting a lot of people with problems together – no matter where – without adequate support services, is a recipe for disaster, particularly at a time when privatisation of State services neatly described as “partnership” is widespread.

In the long distant past (which I remember) a lot of people with difficulties were housed together in areas such as Keogh Square, with little or no support. We daily still witness the result of such a lack of vision.

We are now nearing the end of 2010 and unless we accept the above, there will be a lot of people in need of services who become even more marginalised and a lot of people working in the field who become very disillusioned. It is important to realise that the human condition is complex. It might be worth reflecting on the thought that the only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director Co-Founder,

Trust,

Bride Road,

Dublin 8.

Madam, – Saturday’s Irish Times never fails to challenge us to “Think Anew” especially when reading the page dedicated to people departed. July 17th was no exception. These days one could be forgiven for thinking that older people are a problem to be solved, the cause of our current state and blocking progress. The life of Daisy Burgess clearly challenges that myth.

We had contact with Daisy for a number of years when she visited us in Trust.

While it is not our policy to pry, we heard something of her interesting life, her distinctive accent and lovely hair clearly identified her as being different. Daisy last visited us about 15-20 years ago. She was one of three extraordinary women known to us over the years who lived out their last years in St Mary’s Hospital, cared for with exceptional kindness by the staff there. All three women refused to fit definitions drawn up by experts, all challenged and inspired in equal measure.

In our rush to achieve success and “force” people to conform – all in the name of progress, especially in the field of homelessness, we are rapidly losing or ignoring the wisdom so essential for debate and progress. We need to reflect on and debate these issues to allow people to question, challenge and wonder at the world we live in, where all have a contribution to make.

Incidentally, when Daisy visited us in Trust, usually for a bath, she always declined tea or coffee, preferring instead a piece of fruit. We never had avocado skins to put in the bath for her to soak in, so she always brought her own. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY