Services
Our goal is to help Dublin householders keep a roof over their heads and overcome temporary setbacks.
Anyone can fall on hard times and many individuals and families in Dublin are struggling. Budgets are tight and unexpected events such as serious illness and inability to work can throw an individual or an entire family off balance. Roomkeepers try to bridge the gap when the unforeseen happens or when already complex situations reach a tipping point.
Please note all requests for assistance must be vouched for by accredited social workers from approved agencies. Social worker guidelines are available here.
How We Support People in Need
#1. A Fresh Start
A struggling individual or family who have lost their accommodation due to a combination of illness, job loss and rising rents will require a lot of support to start over.
An elderly person living alone in reduced circumstances may be unable to cover unexpected costs such as a major plumbing repair.
A cooker, kitchen furniture, bedding, adequate flooring — any of these items can be beyond the already stretched budget of an individual or family. We receive regular requests for assistance towards the purchase of these items.
Their Stories
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The McGraths and their children had been homeless but were eventually allocated housing by the local authority.
Unfortunately, funds were insufficient to furnish the new accommodation to an acceptable level and aid was requested.
Funding was granted for the purchase of essential furnishings to help this family get on their feet.
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The O’Reillys were a low-income couple allocated an unfurnished house with concrete flooring.
Funding was requested to enable the purchase of suitable flooring and blinds.
Roomkeepers’ funding along with a contribution from another charity enabled this family to furnish their new home to an acceptable level.
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The Fitzgeralds were a couple with several small children, unable to manage and living in extreme poverty.
A state agency appealed to Roomkeepers for funding towards the purchase of white goods which we were able to supply, as well as food vouchers. This assistance helped the family to better manage their circumstances.
*These are generic stories and real names are not used.
#2. Short-Term Assistance
Sudden serious illness can affect people’s ability to earn and support a family, pay their mortgage and other costs. Many individuals do not qualify for benefits. Their circumstances can decline very rapidly leading to increased stress and hardship and the fear of losing their home.
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Elderly
An elderly applicant was referred to Roomkeepers by a hospital as the patient had a large electricity bill which they were unable to pay.
We were able to assist with a once-off payment and supply food vouchers to help the person get through a particularly difficult time.
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Terminal Illness
A terminally-ill applicant, unfit for work and living alone, with no entitlement to housing assistance, provided with food vouchers to help tide them over a very rough patch.
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Reduced Circumstances
The Johnsons were a middle-aged couple, one of whom was struck down with a serious illness.
With reduced income, no benefit entitlements and rapidly mounting bills, they could no longer meet their needs. Food vouchers were provided to help tide them over.
#3. Unlocking Opportunity
September — the start of the school and college year — new beginnings and opportunities.
But for some this is a time of anxiety: providing for necessary equipment such as a laptop can make for real difficulties for a hard-pressed individual or family.
What we provide:
A late starter re-entering education with a view to developing their skillset for the workforce may need help towards the purchase of a laptop or towards their final-year course fees.
A once-off course certification which will open gateways to employment can be life-changing for a young person.
