One of the most important aspects of preventing homelessness, especially among vulnerable children, is targeted education investment. The Peter McVerry Trust places a high priority on intervention and prevention at an early stage. Young people having a positive educational experience is one of the most effective catalysts for socioeconomic progress. That is especially true for people whose circumstances make them more susceptible to homelessness or vulnerable.
The Peter McVerry Trust, which was founded in 1983 by Fr. Peter McVerry, is Ireland’s largest charity that assists those who are homeless or at risk of becoming unhoused. Offering a variety of programs, the Trust focuses on helping young people and vulnerable adults with complex needs. The organization offers pathways out of homelessness that are founded in the Housing First paradigm. Housing First is an approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to those lacking it, making improving their quality of life beyond this possible.
With a vision of an Ireland that helps all individuals on the margins and promotes their rights to full inclusion in society, the Peter McVerry Trust is dedicated to preventing and eliminating homelessness as well as minimizing the suffering caused by drug abuse and socioeconomic disadvantage.
The Partnership and the Peter McVerry Trust share a common vision for Ireland's future — one in which each young person thrives, has ample access to the educational system, has the potential to succeed professionally in the future, and has an equal and meaningful opportunity to engage in Irish society.
Chairman of the Partnership’s Board and founder of Clune Construction, Michael T. Clune, has devoted the majority of his life to building – structures, relationships, and dreams. Having arrived in the US with just $40 in his pocket, Clune has since built a life beyond his wildest imagination, propelled by a tireless work ethic, an entrepreneurial spirit, and above all, a deep desire to give back. In 2021, the Partnership announced a $1 Million contribution to the Trust — with support from Clune’s secondary school friend and Irish financier, Dermot Desmond, support for the Trust has been a remarkable part of his journey at the Partnership.
“I am delighted that the Partnership is supporting our work in the education sphere, an area which is of huge importance to young people with stronger educational supports ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the risk of homelessness in later years.”
The ongoing homelessness crisis, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the most pressing issues facing Ireland today.
South Inner City Dublin and Lucan are home to learning centers run by the Peter McVerry Trust. With the ultimate goal of helping them return to regular classrooms, these centers support young people, the majority of whom have been expelled from mainstream education systems. With Partnership support, the Trust works with nearly 100 underprivileged young people (aged 13-17). These learning centers support young people who, for a range of reasons, including behavioral, emotional, social, or educational difficulties, are unable to attend traditional schools. The goal of the centers is to help youth understand how education may positively influence their development as adults.
In addition, they seek to address the need for nurturing educational settings that address the holistic needs of children and adolescents. This entails improving learning resources and providing social and mental health services through focused academic support in small class sizes and social and emotional support services.
The Trust and the Partnership envision that through the generosity of people like Clune and collaborations like ours, all children will prosper, have access to an education system, and have an equal and meaningful opportunity to thrive.