Peter McVerry Trust

Peter McVerry Trust stands as one of Ireland's foremost national housing and homeless charities, embodying a profound commitment to reducing homelessness and addressing the intricate web of issues that often accompany it, such as substance misuse and social disadvantage. Founded in 1983 by the formidable priest, Fr. Peter McVerry, the organization has grown from a small hostel for homeless boys into a nationwide force, actively working in 28 local authorities across Ireland and supporting over 12,000 people in 2024. Its vision is ambitious yet clear:

"An Ireland that supports all those on the margins and upholds their rights to full inclusion in society."

Historical Roots and Evolution:

The origins of Peter McVerry Trust are deeply intertwined with the compassionate work of Fr. Peter McVerry himself. Beginning his work in Dublin's north inner-city in 1974, Fr. McVerry witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of homelessness and deprivation on young people. In 1979, he opened a small hostel to provide accommodation for homeless boys aged 12-16, a critical intervention at a time when suitable supports for unaccompanied minors experiencing homelessness were virtually non-existent. This initial act of compassion laid the groundwork for what would become the Arrupe Society, registered as a charity in December 1983.

Over the subsequent decades, the organization grew in response to the escalating homelessness crisis in Ireland. By 2005, recognizing the need for more robust governance and increased capacity to meet growing demands, a new Board of Directors and the charity's first CEO were appointed. It was at this point that the Arrupe Society formally changed its name to Peter McVerry Trust, a move suggested by the board and agreed upon by Fr. McVerry, solidifying his enduring legacy as a tireless advocate for the marginalized. Since then, the Trust has continued to expand its services and reach, marking its 40th year of operation in 2023, a testament to its sustained impact and adaptability in the face of persistent societal challenges.

Kathleen's Story

Core Philosophy and Approach: Housing First Model

At the heart of Peter McVerry Trust's operational philosophy is the internationally recognized Housing First model. This approach fundamentally shifts the traditional paradigm of addressing homelessness. Instead of requiring individuals to address underlying issues like addiction or mental health before they can be housed, Housing First prioritizes providing immediate, stable, and independent housing. Once housed, individuals are then provided with intensive, flexible, and individualized support services tailored to their specific needs.

The rationale behind Housing First is that stable housing provides the necessary foundation for individuals to address other complex issues. By removing the constant stress and instability of homelessness, people are better equipped to engage with mental health services, addiction treatment, employment support, and other interventions. Peter McVerry Trust is Ireland's largest provider of Housing First services, playing a critical role in the National Housing First Implementation Plan. In 2020, for example, the charity was responsible for delivering 61% of the services under this national plan, underscoring its pivotal role in implementing this evidence-based solution across the country. This model is particularly effective for individuals with complex needs, who might otherwise struggle to navigate traditional, often fragmented, service pathways.

Comprehensive Range of Services:

Peter McVerry Trust offers a broad spectrum of "low-threshold entry" services designed to meet the diverse and often complex needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These services are delivered with principles of equal opportunities, dignity, and respect, ensuring that everyone seeking help is treated humanely. Key service areas include:

1. Housing Provision: As an Approved Housing Body (AHB), Peter McVerry Trust is a direct provider of housing. They acquire, develop, and manage housing units to provide safe, sustainable, and independent accommodation for those in need. Their commitment to this is significant, including the strategic reuse and repurposing of vacant buildings and derelict sites to increase housing supply and revitalize urban centers, which also aligns with sustainable development goals by reducing their carbon footprint.
2. Homeless Services: This category encompasses a range of direct interventions, including temporary emergency accommodation, hostels, and specialized facilities. The charity also operates Ireland's only dedicated Youth Café for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, offering a welcoming space with access to food, IT facilities, laundry, storage, and shower services, alongside direct support from staff.
3. Support and Tenancy Sustainment: Crucially, the Trust provides ongoing tenancy support and sustainment services. This involves working with individuals not only in their directly managed housing but also those in non-PMVT tenancies, helping them maintain their accommodation. This comprehensive support addresses issues such as problematic drug/alcohol use, criminal justice involvement, budgeting skills, accessing education and training, and navigating tenant/landlord relationships.
4. Addiction and Recovery Services: Recognizing the strong link between addiction and homelessness, Peter McVerry Trust provides specialized support for individuals grappling with substance misuse. This includes harm reduction strategies, pathways to treatment, and support for stabilization, aiming to enable individuals to live lives of dignity, regardless of their drug use status.
5. Homelessness Prevention: The charity has significantly increased its investment in prevention work, targeting individuals at immediate risk of homelessness. This includes those exiting state care, hospitals, or prisons, and those in vulnerable private rental situations. Their prevention work also takes a long-term approach by investing in education, social integration, and social enterprise projects in communities facing significant economic and social challenges, aiming to break cycles of disadvantage. Examples include supporting the Moyross Youth Academy, which provides carpentry training and employment opportunities, and developing commercial kitchens to upskill clients in culinary arts.
6. Under 18s Residential and Aftercare Services: Building on Fr. McVerry's foundational work, the Trust continues to provide specialized residential services and aftercare for young people under the age of 18 who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness, ensuring they receive tailored support to transition to independent living.

National Reach and Impact:

With its national headquarters in Dublin and regional offices in Limerick, Drogheda, Naas, and Cork, Peter McVerry Trust extends its vital services across a significant portion of Ireland. The charity's presence in 28 local authorities highlights its widespread impact and its capacity to respond to the homelessness crisis on a national scale. In 2024, they supported just under 13,000 people (10,402 adults and 2,594 children), demonstrating the sheer volume of lives touched by their interventions.

Commitment to Sustainability and Governance:

Peter McVerry Trust also demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability, actively working to reduce its carbon footprint through initiatives like improving the energy efficiency of its building stock, making the best use of outdoor spaces for biodiversity, and pioneering the reuse of building materials. As an Approved Housing Body, they adhere to rigorous governance standards, transparently publishing their strategic plans and annual reports, ensuring accountability to their donors and the public. While facing recent scrutiny regarding governance issues (as reported by AHBRA, the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority), the Trust has emphasized its commitment to addressing these challenges and maintaining public trust.

Community Engagement and Support:

The Trust relies heavily on public generosity and community involvement to sustain its operations. They offer various ways for individuals and organizations to support their work, including:

• Donations: Financial contributions are vital for funding their extensive services.
• Fundraising Events: They organize and support numerous fundraising initiatives, such as the annual Wexford Cycle.
• Volunteering: Opportunities are available for individuals to directly contribute their time and skills.
• Graduate Development Programme: Offering a structured pathway for graduates passionate about social justice to begin careers in the housing and homeless sector.
• Information and Advice: Providing direct contact for those seeking help or information about homelessness prevention.
• School Talks: Engaging with schools to educate students and teachers about the realities of homelessness and foster empathy.

Peter McVerry Trust is more than just a charity; it is a critical social infrastructure in Ireland, continually striving to realize its vision of a society where homelessness is not just managed, but eradicated, and where every individual, regardless of their past or current circumstances, has the right to a home and the opportunity for full inclusion.