Housing charity appeals for donations as recent lifting of evictions ban has impacted many private renters
National housing charity Threshold has launched Den Day for Threshold, a fundraising campaign aimed at keeping vulnerable tenants in the private rented sector in their homes. At a time when many private renters have lost the protection of the moratorium on evictions, Threshold is asking families to ‘make a den and save a home’ during the month of May, by signing up via its website for a digital Den Day pack which includes inspiration and instructions for building a den.
Chairperson of Threshold, Aideen Hayden said: “The lifting of the blanket moratorium on rental evictions earlier this month has left many renters exposed to the risk of eviction. Every person should have the right to a secure home at all times, a fact which has only been emphasised by the events of the past year.
“Every person can play a part in making the private rented sector a better place to live and, ultimately, protecting ordinary people all over Ireland from the risk of entering homelessness or emergency accommodation. In the time that has passed since we launched our first Den Day fundraiser last April, charities at national and global level have been struggling to raise money. Families and friends who take part in this year’s Den Day for Threshold will be playing their part by helping us to keep renters in their homes at this vital stage in the fight against Covid-19.”
National Fundraising Manager at Threshold, Cormac Lally said: “While many of us look forward to a time when we no longer have to stay at home, a huge number of people in Ireland are now wondering whether they will still have a home in which to stay in a month’s time, as the lifting of the moratorium has placed many renters at serious risk of eviction. With rents remaining high and rental housing supply remaining low, some of those evicted will find it impossible to secure another home.
“Threshold’s housing advisors are working tirelessly to provide advice and support to such renters. Fundraisers such as this are vital in allowing us to continue to provide our service, which has been a lifeline for so many. Den Day is something that we can all take part in at home, while having some fun and contributing to saving people all over Ireland from eviction and homelessness.”
Threshold is appealing to families, housemates and friends to team up and make a den at home during the month of May to raise funds so that it can continue to protect renters from eviction. Two chairs and a blanket can make a cave; a painted box with fairy lights can be a castle; a tarpaulin on your balcony can be a ship on the ocean. The possibilities are endless. And the best part about a den? It’s somewhere to feel safe and secure – something that every person deserves.
Those who wish to take part can sign up at https://www.threshold.ie/getinvolved/den-day-for-threshold.html to receive their Den Day for Threshold pack with inspiration and instructions and gain access to the Den Day for Threshold Facebook group to meet other den-builders. Threshold is asking den-builders to start a Facebook fundraiser to help the charity to stop homelessness and keep people safe. The pack gives simple instructions on how to do this.
Threshold has also produced a Teacher’s Pack as part of this year’s Den Day fundraiser, which includes information and exercises for pupils in primary schools to become more aware of the importance of home.
If you are unable to take part but still want to help save a home, please visit https://www.threshold.ie/donate/ and consider giving what you can.
Threshold’s helpline remains available Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm at 1800 454454, and via email at threshold.ie/advice/help for any renter in need of advice or support.
