This makes for very powerful viewing.
Homelessness in Ireland is a problem, that is something we are all aware of. But sadly many people still have misconceptions about who can become homeless.
This DCU student’s story proves a very important point, that it can happen to anyone.
Laura explained why she felt it was important to share her personal story:
”People don’t realise that people around you that work hard in jobs or in school or in college can become homeless or have been homeless.
I wanted people to see that it’s more common than they think.
Homelessness affects so many people in Ireland and being homeless can hold people back so much. If me and my mam didn’t eventually get an apartment or if I wasn’t given counselling or school grinds by homeless charity’s I more than likely wouldn’t be where I am today.”
The video was created by DCU’s media production society to promote their annual charity event, the 24 hour broadcast. The event sees members of the society broadcast live shows over a 24 hour period with the aim of raising money for a significant charity.
The society focuses on charities relevant to young people, with previously chosen charities such as the Make a Wish foundation. Last year the society raised over €7000 for mental health charity Headstrong.
This year they are hoping to do the same for the Peter McVerry Trust, which aims to reduce homelessness and the harm caused by drug misuse and social disadvantage.
Laura, a journalism student explains that while her college friends may have been surprised to learn she was once homeless, friends she grew up are more exposed to the situation.
”I know people in college were surprised to find out I was homeless as they have told me how shocked they are. They can’t understand that someone who was so poor to not have a home can now be in college and doing well.
Unfortunately friends from home (Coolock) are not as shocked as I have many friends who have lived in scary homeless shelters or in hotel rooms including my step-brother and his pregnant girlfriend who have been homeless nearly their whole lives and are both in third level education. They are still living off people’s couches and hotel rooms.”
Laura explains what this charity means to her and why the annual broadcast is a perfect way to fundraise for it.
”The Peter McVerry trusts means so much to me because the more donations this charity gets the more likely my brother will get a home as they focus on young homeless people. My brother is someone who has never had his own bed never mind a room or a house.
The broadcast means so much to me being a journalism student I enjoy using multimedia to distribute journalism and I think the broadcast is a very fun and entertaining platform to also help charities raise must needed funds.”
The DCU 24 hour broadcast will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of December and you can donate on the night, for more information you can visit MPS Facebook page.
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