Housing the homeless: an example

dublin | housing | news report

Saturday October 22, 2005 00:04

by observer2

homeless policy is homoocidal.

Early this evening an elderly patient was discharged from Dublins Mater hospital.
It is almost as if the government want him to die.

Early this evening an elderly patient was discharged from Dublins Mater hospital. The gentleman who I shall refer to as Mr. X had been in the Mater for the past 2 months and is one of Dublins homeless. His stay in hospital was necessitated as a result of his ongoing heart problems, angina and respiratory difficulties. He has had at least three heart attacks in the past 12 months.
Prior to his admission X had been staying at one of Dublins homeless hostels. X would be considered a chronic street drinker. That is to say that he consumed large quantities of alcohol on Dublins streets. During his stay in hospital he detoxed from alcohol. He has now not had any alcohol in about five weeks. Life was improving for X. It would be reasonable to assume that the Social services in the Mater would have intervened to ensure that a safe home was available for X on his discharge.

Sadly, that is not the case. I am informed that Mr. X is tonight resident in Dublins wet shelter, that is the only shelter in Dublin where residents can consume alcohol, and I am reliably informed that alcohol is consumed throughout the hostel.
So tonight X is back where he started and given his environment it would be foolish to give much for his chances of staying dry. The only bed available for this elderly gentleman who is trying to save what little is left of his life by taking medical advice and stopping drinking alcohol, is in a hostel for active chronic drinkers, it is that or back to the streets.

It is almost as if the government want him to die.

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Comments (1 of 1)

Street Seen..

by Elaine

Sun Oct 23, 2005 03:36

...were out and about yesterday Saturday 22nd October. They were collecting signatures for their petition and selling copies of the Street Seen paper, on Henry Street, O'Connell Street and Grafton Street. I didn't make it to Grafton Street to take a photo. On my way home I met with two street drinkers Barry and William, in Dublin 12. I asked if I could put their photo on indymedia. They agreed provided I deliver this message... 'That William and Barry are homeless and want out of this cold.' It was scrawled in a shaky hand on the back of a receipt from the off-licence.

The Lads Collecting Signatures On Henry Street

In The Cold Outside Easons O'Connell Street

William And Barry On The Streets Of Dublin Tonight

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Housing the homeless: an example

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