Threshold, the national housing charity, has said that its Christmas fundraising appeal is the most important one in decades, and has urged the public to support it in whatever way possible.
As the fundraising appeal enters its second week, Bob Jordan, Chief Executive of Threshold, said: “A decline in Threshold’s income over the last three years, combined with increased demand for our services, has made this Christmas appeal our most important in decades.
“Christmas is the time of year when we rely hugely on donations from the public – over one third of our income is raised in December alone. This year, we’re calling on all of our loyal donors to continue their generous support, and for members of the public who want to support a local charity making a difference right now in their community to consider making a donation – no matter how small – to Threshold’s Christmas appeal.
“Thanks to the public’s support, last year Threshold helped 21,270 people solve a housing crisis. Our frontline services prevent two families each day from becoming homeless. In the months ahead, we anticipate that needs will continue to grow, so it’s crucial that Threshold can continue to provide advice and support for people at risk of homelessness.”
Threshold provides advice, information and representation to people living in rented accommodation who are experiencing housing problems and who are at risk of homelessness.
“With support from the public this Christmas, we will continue our work and never turn anyone away,” said Bob Jordan. “Most people in the country rent at some stage of their life. However, we now have more people in the rented sector than ever before – one in five families in Ireland now lives in private rented accommodation. Since the onset of the recession, we have noticed a significant rise in the non-repayment of deposits, as well as properties falling into disrepair and people getting into rent arrears. All of these factors combine to make the private rented sector less secure for people and, increasingly, they need Threshold’s help.”
To make a donation to Threshold’s most important Christmas appeal ever, LoCall 1890 43 44 45, visit www.threshold.ie or post a donation to Threshold, 21 Stoneybatter, FREEPOST, Dublin 7.
