Orchid House
A major piece of research entitled, ‘Under Dublin’s Neon Lights’ recommended a project focusing on long-term homeless people with entrenched alcohol issues. The report proposed a medium to long-term project based on harm reduction where residents would receive a high degree of care, support and dignity.
In December 2002 Depaul Ireland opened Aungier Street, the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland. The service was relocated to James Street in 2008 and is now called Orchid House.
PROJECT AIMS
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To provide a 24/7 care and support to long term homeless people with entrenched alcohol use issues, working to a principles of low-threshold and harm reduction;
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To provide access to welfare rights advice, health care and other specialist services;
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To provide a ‘homely’ environment with a high standard of accommodation and care;
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To identify move-on opportunities for service user.
FACILITIES & SERVICES
Orchid House is emergency accommodation and should ideally only house people for a temporary period up to 6 months, at which stage the project aims to case management service users into more appropriate accommodation.
Service users are provided with a key worker who helps to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the appropriate support. A care plan is developed between the service users and worker, which is monitored and reviewed. The care plan covers life skills, budgeting, alcohol harm reduction, detox access and health/mental health support. Specialist support is made available through the nurse manager and by visiting GP’s and other agencies.
Target GROUP
The project houses up to 20 long-term homeless street drinkers who have failed to or do not wish to stop drinking. The project will accept both men and women over the age of 18 and the average age of residents is mid 40s and can accommodate singles and couples. Additionally, service users are often faced with associated mental health issues, general health issues and low self-esteem.
Location
