Lifehouse residents take part in vaccination scheme

A resident at a Salvation Army lifehouse in Dublin has spoken of his joy after receiving a one-shot Covid-19 vaccine as part of a programme to reach vulnerable groups.

Eddie Brennan, who lives at our York House supported accommodation centre is one of over 700 people who have received the jab at a temporary vaccination clinic set up by the Health Service Executive and hosted by The Salvation Army.

Eddie said: "This day means a lot to us. We are on our way, we are nearly there. There's a good feeling around the place. After the tough year that we had, we really deserve it. The country is opening up and I want to be part of it.”

The Salvation Army provides over 400 beds every night in Dublin, as well as a wide range of services to help people overcome the complex reasons for their homelessness, such as mental ill health, domestic violence, trauma or addiction. York House operates 80 Supported Accommodation units for men over the age of 18.

Eddie said: "It has been a tough year and Covid has affected a lot of our social and support activities. The staff at York House really tried hard to engage with people and keep us going during Covid, playing a game with one person, or going for a walk with another. You really appreciate the little things.

"I am a resident in York House for the past eight months and this is the closest I have got to a home in the five years that I have been homeless.”