The lack of understanding for families and their struggles is horrifying, I knew I had to do something to help, says Natasha Morgan, co-founder of Feed Our Homeless charity in Dublin. Natasha, who grew up in care in Dublin’s inner city, has firsthand experience of the impact of drugs and alcohol abuse on people. Now, she is dedicated to helping those affected by homelessness and marginalization, especially during the holiday season.
The organization, established in 2017, aims to make a difference in the lives of those who are homeless or facing food deprivation in Dublin. With nearly 700,000 people experiencing food deprivation in Ireland, including 164,000 children, Natasha is determined to ensure as many people as possible have a happy Christmas.
During the Christmas period, the demand for food and support rises dramatically. The charity expects the number of families registered for food parcels to increase, with already 395 families and a total of 1,449 people relying on their assistance. From working families to single parents and individuals, people from all walks of life are in need of support. Rising inflation and the high cost of living make it increasingly difficult for families to pay household bills and afford enough food.
Feed Our Homeless goes the extra mile to provide Christmas extras to families in need. Alongside the regular food parcels, they strive to give every family a pudding, Christmas cake, and festive goodies for the children. In previous years, the charity even managed to provide turkey and ham, new toys, and clothes for some families, thanks to generous donations. Their ultimate goal is to ensure no family goes hungry during Christmas and no child feels left out.
The Christmas period is emotionally challenging for Natasha and her team, particularly when they witness the sense of isolation experienced by those on the streets during this time. Through their annual Christmas gift bag appeal, the charity provides homeless individuals with presents and a selection box. More importantly, they offer companionship and support to those who may find Christmas to be the toughest day and night of the year. We’ve laughed and we’ve often cried with them, Natasha reflects.
Both Natasha and co-founder Tony Walsh understand the daily struggles that individuals facing homelessness and poverty encounter. Originally named Feed Our Homeless, the charity’s early focus was on supporting rough sleepers, providing them with suitable accommodation for the night. As they witnessed families coming to the soup kitchen, they realized that they needed to address the underlying issues causing people to seek their help.
While a soup kitchen met an immediate need, it didn’t tackle the larger problems these families faced. Consequently, the charity expanded its services to include a food bank and advocacy support. Through their family provision service, they have assisted individuals in accessing addiction services, adult education, back-to-work schemes, and essential resources such as medical cards and housing assistance.
Their outreach program currently serves an average of 80 to 100 people every night, but Natasha acknowledges that there may be many more individuals they are unaware of. They strive to work closely with service users to help them find stable housing and address any barriers preventing them from accepting available accommodations. However, with a saturated rental market and increasing homelessness, individuals are often left with no choice but to remain on the streets.
Additionally, the charity has noticed a rise in hidden homelessness, where individuals technically have a roof over their heads but lack stability. These individuals typically sleep on sofas and go unrecognized in official homeless counts. This growing problem further highlights the vital role Feed Our Homeless plays in supporting these vulnerable individuals.
Natasha emphasizes the profound impact their support can have on someone’s life, recounting a recent incident where a person expressed gratitude for receiving clean socks and underwear, comparing it to winning the lottery. Such encounters reinforce the importance of their work and the need to continue helping those in need.
As Feed Our Homeless prepares to assist even more people during the holiday season, Natasha remains driven by her own experiences of poverty and a desire to make a difference. Understanding that families and individuals face unimaginable hardships, she is committed to ensuring that no one is left hungry or without support, especially during Christmas.
With their determination, experience, and community-driven approach, Natasha and her team at Feed Our Homeless are providing essential aid and hope to those affected by homelessness and food deprivation in Dublin. Their efforts highlight the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for vulnerable members of society, especially during the holiday season when warmth and togetherness matter the most.
