Navan community rallies behind those dealing with homelessness and financial hardship

Navan was the location for a evening of support, community and solidarity as the Joshua Community hosted its Street Sleep Outreach, bringing people together in support of those sleeping rough, without housing or struggling in some way, whether financially or mentally.

Kennedy Plaza was transformed into a hub of connection, food, conversation and inspirational talks on Friday afternoon, as the Joshua Community brought together organisations and groups under one tent to offer support, information and good energy to those in need.

Organisations including Tusla, Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response (MCDAR), members of the HSE, Citizens Information, the North Eastern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Tiglin, Drogheda Homeless Aid and Remar Recovery Home set up stalls alongside the Joshua Community, offering information and advice to anyone who wanted to find out more about the services available.

Aidan Barry Barbers had a stall offering free haircuts to those who wished to avail of them, while JM Foods’ food truck served free hot meals outside the tent. Members and volunteers of the Joshua Community also kept refreshments flowing throughout the event. There was truly something for everyone, even if that was just a cup of tea and a chat.

Cllrs Alan Lawes, Padraig Fitzsimons, Eddie Fennessy and Emer Tóibín, along with Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín, were among those in attendance.

Cllr Alan Lawes said the event was about educating people in the local community about the resources available to those who need them, particularly people experiencing homelessness.

“What the Joshua Community are doing is trying to educate the local people of the community of all of the resources available to those who need them, especially the homeless.

“All of the groups here today are in some way involved with homeless people and it’s to encourage agencies to work together more instead of competing against each other.

“It’s great that a homeless person could come in here today and can find out about the likes of the drop-in

centre in Joshua but they could also speak to someone from the HSE who could put them in touch with some local councillors.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to inform themselves on what is available, whether they need the services or just want to be aware. The whole point is to help people out of homelessness.”

Throughout the afternoon and evening, members, employees, volunteers and friends of Joshua Community founders Liam and Mary McNamara took to the stage to share their own inspiring stories and testimonies.

People who had struggled with addiction, isolation and homelessness for many years bravely took the microphone, sharing how organisations such as the Joshua Community had entered their lives and helped them become the people they are today.

Among those who shared their story was Monica Nelson, now Head of Operations at the Joshua Community, who spoke openly about her own struggles with addiction and finding a way out of rock bottom.

Her story prompted an emotional reaction from those gathered inside the tent.

It was impossible not to feel the warmth and sense of community that filled the town throughout the evening, as people from all different walks of life came together in support of one another.

Founder Liam McNamara told the crowd: “For us, this is a very special event, for a number of reasons. Especially because of what the Joshua Community does, to have all of these organisations, including us, assemble together. What an incredible blessing this is that we can all be together.”

Deputy Mayor Padraig Fitzsimons also gave a speech expressing his gratitude to the organisations taking part.

“We welcome all of you here today, those of you that provide these wonderful services and those of you who use these services, more importantly.

“I was lucky enough to have opened the new Joshua Community premises in Navan, and it really is only by calling into the centre that you see what happens. I called in on Christmas Day, and to see the amount of people coming in and receiving, whether it be a present, dinner, a cup of coffee or just somewhere warm to go to.

“I was lucky enough to be going home to my family and a nice hot meal, but for some people, this was their only little piece of happiness. The team at Joshua is just incredible. It’s the only homeless drop-in in Navan, and we are so privileged to have it. These are just good people doing something really good for the community.”

The evening also included a special remembrance service for more than 20 families who had lost loved ones to addiction, homelessness or mental health issues.

Local businesses also came together to support the event, with Penneys Navan collecting clothing donations for those in need, Apache Pizza donating pizzas for those taking part in the street sleep later that evening, and Smith’s SuperValu in Johnstown providing breakfast rolls for everyone on Saturday morning.

After an afternoon filled with stories, conversation, food, music, laughter and a strong sense of togetherness, those taking part in the street sleep settled down together under the gazebo.

Volunteers, service users, people sleeping rough, local councillors and anyone else who wished to take part spent the night together before sharing breakfast on Saturday morning. All from different walks of life, but connected in humanity for a wonderful cause.