Clancy Nightshelter

In 2001, there was a huge gap in accommodation for homeless people between 18 and 50. Though there was sufficient emergency bed spaces targeting the over 35's and under 18's, accommodation available often excluded active drug-users and those with alcohol related issues due to their challenging behaviour which was deemed unsuitable in a typical hostel setting.

As part of the Homeless Agency's cold weather programme from 2001/2002 Clancy Barracks (as it was known then) was set up on a temporary basis and opened in February 2002. It demonstrated a gap in the provision for the most vulnerable people living on the streets.

Clancy Nightshelter was the first of its kind and over the past 8 years has developed the low-threshold and harm reduction focus, for example by offering health promotion sessions and case management within the service.

PROJECT AIMS

• To provide low-threshold emergency accommodation for young people in Dublin aged 18 to 35 who are sleeping rough and who have current drugs misuse issues;
• Working within a harm reduction model of engagement to assist people in being able to fulfil their potential to the best of their ability;
• To provide access to welfare rights advice, health care and other specialist services i.e. mental health services, drug services etc.;
• To identify move-on opportunities for the client group using keyworking and case management.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

The project is a night shelter opening early evening, 7 days a week in single or twin rooms, and a hot evening meal and breakfast. The project closesat 9.30 am. Each services user has access to showering facilities, a TV and common room and small locker to keep personal items safe. They also have access to a laundry service. Trained project staff offer advice and assistance in linking the service users into other services and day centres, including resettlement services.

All service users are appointed a key worker to ensure they can access all the services theyrequire and receive the appropriate support. A support plan is developed between the service user and worker, which is monitored and reviewed. The support plan covers life skills, budgeting, harm reduction, detox access and health and mental health support. Depaul Ireland Nurse also provides a weekly clinic and a local Doctor visits when required.  Clancy has three staff trained to conduct health promotion clinics, when they can support service users to reduce the harm they are doing to themselves in their drug use.

TARGET GROUP

Clancy Nightshelter provides accommodation to 17 young people at any one time. Both singles and couples can access the service. Referrals are received from outreach workers and certain drug services.

All of the service users have experienced some form of disadvantage. Many have been excluded from other projects or have found it difficult to sustain a tenancy due to their drug use and associated behaviours. All are drug users,   and many experience other associated problems such as mental and physical health problems, difficulties in socialising, breakdown in family relationships, criminality and often have disengaged from education at an early age. Many have direct experience of living on the streets.  Many are reluctant to engage with mainstream services, including primary doctors, hospitals and statutory agencies.

As a low threshold service, working to a harm reduction model, the service rarely refuses a referral, assuming the service user meets the age criteria.

LOCATION