Limerick Community Sleep Out officially launches its 2025 event

THE LIMERICK Shine A Light Committee has officially launched this year’s Limerick Community Sleep Out.

The Limerick Community Sleep Out is a local initiative aimed at raising funds and awareness for families experiencing homelessness. 

This year, the Limerick Community Sleep Out will be featured as part of Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light, the nationwide sleep out which is supported by Bord Gáis Energy.

Shine A Light is Focus Ireland’s largest annual fundraising initiative and is “vital” to keep its services going.

The committee are calling on individuals, groups and local businesses from communities throughout Limerick to join them and take on the challenge of the sleep out. 

This event will take place on Friday, October 10 in the Crescent Shopping Centre and will run concurrently with similar events nationwide, amplifying “the urgent call to end homelessness for good”.

The launch, which took place at the Crescent Shopping Centre on Wednesday, July 2, was attended by Focus Ireland staff, LEAP (Lived Experience) Ambassador James Flanagan and Príomh-Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery.

Príomh-Comhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said: “Homelessness is not just about statistics, it is a human story, and we all have a role in changing the ending. Let’s use this time to educate, advocate, and prepare for a powerful night of solidarity and support.”

Alec Morrissey, the chairperson of the organising committee, stated: “This marks our second year hosting the Limerick Community Sleep Out at this fantastic venue, and our ambition for 2025 is greater than ever. We are aiming to raise significant funds, knowing that every euro will directly support families in desperate need.”

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Brian O’Leary, centre manager for the Crescent Shopping Centre, said the shopping centre is “delighted to once again support Focus Ireland with their Shine A Light sleep out”.

“We believe this event is so important, not only to raise much needed funds as Focus Ireland continue their work in tackling homelessness but also to make the public aware of the plight facing so many vulnerable families in Ireland in 2025,” he continued.

“We would encourage the community to come out and support this event on the night.”

A spokesperson for Focus Ireland said: “The statistics are stark and serve as a powerful reminder of why Shine A Light is needed. 

“Currently, 15,747 people are experiencing homelessness in Ireland, a staggering figure that includes 4,844 children and 2,273 families. In Limerick, 505 adults sought access to emergency accommodation in May alone, and 145 families in the Mid-West are without a home.”

“The Limerick Community Sleep Out offers a tangible way for everyone to contribute to a solution,” the statement continued.

“While Shine A Light is about raising the absolutely vital funds Focus Ireland need to support and expand their nationwide services to meet the ever-growing demand, it's also about much more. It's about making a powerful, undeniable statement: having thousands of children without a home in Ireland is simply unacceptable.”

For more information on how to sign up to the Limerick Community Sleep Out, or host your own sleep out, visit shinealight.focusireland.ie.