Celebrating Life Among Homeless Services 2011
As part of the Council for the Homeless Northern Ireland (CHNI) Homelessness Awareness Week, Depaul Ireland hosted a 'Celebration of Life' service to celebrate life and work in the homeless sector. It took place in St Pauls and St Barnabas, York Road, Belfast at 4.00pm on Thursday 1st December.
At the ceremony, Service Users, Staff, Volunteers and Supporters of Depaul Ireland joined together to celebrate the lives of those who have died and been born into the Services over the past year.
In advance of the event, Belfast Mayor, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile applauded the work of Depaul Ireland in offering support to people who are homeless. "The Service is a fitting tribute to all those whose lives were so precious", he said
Music was performed by students from St Patricks College with a reflection by Professor Denis Maloney.
As speaking in advance of the event, Depaul Ireland CEO, Kerry Anthony, MBE said "It is our opportunity to come together to reflect on our daily work with people who are homeless and the impact this has on each individual life."
"We like to remember service users who have passed away by celebrating their lives and the time they spend with us in our projects. We also want to celebrate the new life that is born into our family hostels. We provided a home for 53 new born babies in the last 4 years, who without our services, might have otherwise been born into homelessness."
"Our work is vital and often life saving to people who have been long term homeless. Service users generally thrive on the support and encouragement they receive from our professionally trained staff. They develop tailored care plans for each individual to map their path out of homelessness. "
