Navan Solidarity sleep out to shine a light on homelessness
The Joshua Community will host a special Street Sleep Outreach event in Navan Town Centre on Friday and Saturday 14th and 15th August, bringing people, services and organisations together in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness, addiction and other struggles within the community.
The event will take place at Kennedy Road Plaza, Navan (Fountain and Bus Stop Area) and will see councillors, members and volunteers from the Joshua Community sleep out on Friday night in solidarity with those who do not have a stable roof over their heads. Everyone is invited to come along and show their support.
The two-day event will bring together a range of local businesses, organisations and services, with free medical facilities, food and drinks, as well as inspirational live talks from people who have overcome their own struggles.
There will also be free barbers, hairdressers, manicurists and other pampering treatments available, alongside a clothes area where people can access clothing free of charge.
Addiction support services, mental health clinics and other support services will also be available throughout the event, offering an opportunity for people to find out more about the help available to them in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
A special Remembrance Service will take place at 6.30pm on Friday 14th August, in memory of those who have lost their lives while struggling with addiction, homelessness, mental health difficulties and other challenges.
The event has been organised in the hope of raising awareness of homelessness and other difficulties people can face within the community, while encouraging anyone who may be struggling to reach out and seek support.
The Joshua Community has a full-time premises in Navan, which is the town’s only homeless and food poverty drop-in service. The premises is open to everyone and anyone, providing showers, food, tea, clothing and a sense of community to those in need.
Founded by Liam and Mary McNamara, the volunteer-led charity has had Joshua Community premises operating in Cavan, Bailieborough, Navan and Dublin since 2017.
Its volunteers come from all walks of life, with some having experienced difficult circumstances themselves. This allows those at the forefront of the charity to understand and empathise with the people they work with on a daily basis.
The idea for the charity came about after Liam and Mary noticed the number of people sleeping on the streets of Dublin while working in their Dublin-based family business. Liam went on to befriend some of those sleeping rough.
Founder Liam McNamara said: "Through my friendships with these people, they taught us what we're doing here with Joshua. These people really struggled with identity. The people passing them on street constantly told them they were worthless, and these people started to believe it, and then acting on it. That is something we can all relate to. To begin seeing these people as human beings and treating them as such is the first step.
"We have a lot of people working here now that started by coming here to borrow a tent or a sleeping bag. Now, they're employed here and some of our good friends. The event in Navan is giving those people a platform to tell their stories, which is very powerful for the community to hear. We are only a part of the jigsaw, but we are here to help."
The event is not only intended to extend a helping hand to those who need it, but also to give anyone interested an opportunity to learn more about the Joshua Community and the work it does.
Throughout Friday afternoon, members of the public will have the opportunity to meet and chat informally with representatives from services including Citizens Information, MCDAR, Drogheda Homeless Aid, HSE Homeless & Addiction Services and others while enjoying free food and a great community event.
Anyone who would like to volunteer or get involved can contact the Joshua Community at info@joshuacommunity.com