The charity recently issued an open letter signed by Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO, and supported by Bord Gáis Energy, addressed to the heads of all Irish business organisations.
It asks them to “use their resources and innovative capabilities” to make a practical impact on Ireland’s housing and homelessness issue, and to lead by example this October 11 for Shine A Light, by taking part in a sleep out.
“Sleeping out for one night is not the same as experiencing homelessness, but it is a chance for people to show they care and stand in solidarity with over 14,303 people now homeless in Ireland,” Mr Dennigan said.
In the letter to business leaders, Mr Dennigan said homelessness is “one of the most pressing social issues facing Ireland today”, describing the most recent homelessness figures as “heart-breaking”, also highlighting the fact that despite Ireland’s current economic prosperity, homelessness in Ireland is now higher than at any point in recent history.
In response to the crisis, Focus Ireland, supported by Bord Gáis Energy, is calling for Ireland’s business leaders and the wider community to unite for Shine A Light on October 11, to create “a national day of empathy and action” for those living in hidden homelessness.
Business leaders are being asked to sign up for an official Shine A Light sleep out fundraising event in TU Dublin, Grangegorman or Cork City Gaol, and to challenge a colleague or peer to join them.
Businesses are also encouraged to organise a Workplace Sleep Out on their own premises for employees.
Social media giant Meta, along with global engineering and construction company John Sisk & Son, were among the first to pledge support with companies from all sectors across Ireland expected to follow suit over the coming weeks.
“By shining a light on this critical issue and raising vital funds to help take more people out of homelessness, together we can help reassure people experiencing homelessness that they are not forgotten,” Mr Dennigan added.
Speaking about the call for the business community to shine a light on the issue and take action to help end homelessness, Dave Kirwan, Managing Director, Bord Gáis Energy, said: “As business leaders, I believe our responsibility goes beyond our corporate walls to the communities we serve.
“I encourage CEOs, managing directors and senior executives to join me in the annual Shine A Light Business Leader Sleep Out on October 11. It’s not just about stepping outside our comfort zone for a night, it’s about raising vital funds for Focus Ireland, who are providing workable solutions to the problem.
“It’s also an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with colleagues and peers about this critical issue. By participating in Shine A Light, we can amplify our collective voice and influence, take our own practical action to help, and contribute to creating a fairer future for all.
“It has been our privilege to support Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light event since 2018. We cannot stress enough the importance of Focus Ireland’s work tackling homelessness.”
Meadhbh Quinn, Bord Gáis Energy, Head of Marketing, commented: “As a community, we believe our collective efforts can bring about meaningful change and restore hope to thousands of families and individuals who find themselves in desperate circumstances.
“Together, we can create a future where every individual and family in Ireland has a safe and stable place to call home. By giving up just one night, we can help Focus Ireland raise vital funds to help end family homelessness.”
To sign up to take part in Shine A Light or find more information, visit shinealight.focusireland.ie