Peter McVerry Trust has significantly increased its investment in prevention work in recent years. The charity is working to provide a targeted programme of services and activities that work to prevent people who are at risk of homelessness ever entering homeless services.

This work is aimed at those in immediate risk of becoming homeless, such as those living in the private rental sector, those exiting state care, hospitals or prisons. Our prevention work also takes a long-term strategic approach by targeting communities and areas which face significant economic and social challenges and where people may be more likely to access homeless services. Peter McVerry Trust is investing heavily in supporting programmes on education, social integration, and social enterprise projects in these communities. The charity is also scaling up its work on mental health supports and partnerships with groups like the Men’s Shed Movement and community employment schemes.

Below is a summary of Peter McVerry Trust’s prevention and related services. Should you wish to access one of these services or would like to speak to a member of staff, please call us on +353 (0)1 823 0776 or email info@pmvtrust.ie

Social Enterprises and Employment Activation

Social Enterprise in Kildare

The on-site kitchen at our Kerdiffstown House service in Naas, underwent a large refurbishment to bring it back into use as a fully-functioning, HACCP-approved, commercial kitchen. The re-development of this facility will allow us to upskill and re-activate our client group. We will provide training and employment opportunities in the culinary and bakery industries, as well as in delivery driving.

The project received grant aid from Kildare Local Community Development Committee as well as support from County Kildare LEADER Partnership, financed by the Irish Government under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Moyross Youth Academy

Peter McVerry Trust provides funding and support to the Moyross Youth Academy in Limerick. The social enterprise initiative works to produce furniture to be used in Peter McVerry Trust’s social housing units in Limerick and across the country. The young people from Moyross secure carpentry training and qualifications through the programme and through its relationship with the local Education and Training Board (ETB). A number of young people who have taken part in the scheme secured employment in a local modular housing building company.

Watch the video below to learn more about the initiative.