Help end homelessness in Ireland through legacy giving

Michaela Plunkett

Senior Philanthropy and Funding Development Executive, Dublin Simon Community

With homelessness on the rise in Ireland, legacy giving has become a powerful way to support vital charity services and leave a meaningful impact on future generations.

With more people facing homelessness in Ireland, community support has never been more critical. Legacy giving — gifting money to a charity in your will — is one of the most powerful ways to help end homelessness and make a lasting difference, says Michaela Plunkett, Senior Philanthropy Executive at the Dublin Simon Community.

Legacy gifts help people experiencing homelessness

Charities and community-led initiatives have become a lifeline for many of those experiencing homelessness. Dublin Simon Community, for instance, offers a range of services to support people at all stages of homelessness — whether they’re already without a home or at risk of losing one.

These services include providing food, emergency and supported accommodation, medical and clinical care and even education and job support. To keep offering these vital services that help thousands, charities rely heavily on donations. This includes legacy gifts, which often play a significant role in their funding.

“We are reliant on the generosity of people to leave us a gift in their will to help us reach those who come to us for help,” says Plunkett. “Our goal is to ensure everyone has a safe home to go to. Legacy gifts allow us to deliver this vision for thousands of people.”

Charities and community-led initiatives
have become a lifeline for many of
those experiencing homelessness.

Ireland faces growing crisis

People from all backgrounds are finding themselves in emergency accommodation, even those with jobs. “It’s a stark situation,” Plunkett says. As a result, legacy gifts have become crucial in helping some of Ireland’s most vulnerable groups.

Take Margaret, for example. She battled against homelessness for years, but with support from Dublin Simon Community, she now has a roof over her head. Margaret spends her days reading, writing, knitting and crafting. She’s even thinking about going back to school, she says. “The services helped me get back on track and keep myself safe and clean,” she explains. “They do everything they can to help me.”

Impact of leaving a legacy

The great thing is that anyone can make a difference by leaving a gift in their will. This act of generosity becomes a meaningful part of a person’s legacy and might even inspire others to do the same. Plunkett stresses that any gift, no matter the size, has the power to create lasting change. “It will absolutely make a positive impact and help people,” she says. “Even a small gift can make a big difference.”