Ireland is currently experiencing a monumental homelessness crisis.The Peter McVerry Trust was established in 1983 by Father Peter McVerry to help individuals at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. 

The charity provides a wide range of much-needed services for those trapped in the cycle of homelessness, including housing, addiction treatment, care for under 18s and homelessness prevention. 

Today the Trust premiered an incredibly moving and important documentary at Denzille Cinema in Dublin. 

Founder Peter McVerry (Source: Irish Times)

Created by Gansee Films, Moving On tells the story of Emma (19) and Patrick (22) as they both move from a Peter McVerry hostel to a redeveloped building on Pim Street, Dublin 8. It reveals the difficulties and individual struggles behind every homeless person’s circumstances, from mental health issues to having to leave an abusive family situation. 

(Patrick, 22)

(Emma, 19)

The film sheds a light on the people that exist behind the statistics and numbers we often encounter when reading about homelessness.

They recently collaborated with construction materials manufacturer Saint-Gobain to fund the redevelopment of the Pim Street apartments. The company funded the project and successfully renovated a derelict building into six modern homes at a cost of €100,000. 

A photo posted by Her.ie (@herdotie) on Nov 26, 2015 at 3:19am PST

Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust and Brian Dolan, Managing Director of St Gobain

Speaking at the screening today, Pat Doyle (CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust) said : “This documentary shows the strong and determined young people that are behind the stark homeless statistics we are often presented with. The stories of Emma and Patrick clearly illustrate the life-changing impact that a key to their own home will have on people in homelessness.”

He added that presenting six homeless people with their own front door keys is a small but powerful act, and that these small steps can make a ‘massive difference’ in the lives of these men and women. He spoke of the importance of after care for recently re-housed individuals, as many can experience isolation when they move into their own place. 

To find out more about the brilliant work of the Peter McVerry Trust click here:

You can watch the film below: