Midlands Simon Community began in 2003 when a group of volunteers from across the Midlands Region came together and formed the Charity. Midlands Simon was established to support individuals, couples and families who are experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness throughout the Midlands Counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.



While the main priority of our work is to assist all our Service Users to move out of homelessness, we also work very closely to help them overcome the many other difficulties faced by those experiencing homelessness such as loneliness, isolation, poverty and health and welfare issues. In short, it is our aim to help all our Service Users to rebuild their lives, and move out of homelessness into a permanent home.

Our Values:

• Working in solidarity and partnership with people affected by homelessness and striving for social and economic justice, social inclusion and equality of opportunity. 
• Believing in the power of individuals to make an informed choice and to recognise the rights of individuals to actively participate in the decision-making processes that affect them. 
• Challenging structures that serve to marginalise, discriminate against and exploit people who experience homelessness. 
• The fundamental concept of equality. 
• The distribution of power which does not discriminate on grounds such as age, gender, political beliefs, race, ethnicity, class, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or membership of the Travelling Community. 

What is Homelessness?

Homelessness can be a very complex issue and there are many stereotypes associated with it. There are a range of difficulties that can cause people to experience homelessness and to require the support of Midlands Simon Community. The main challenges and difficulties we help people to overcome are: 

• Poverty and the cycle of disadvantage/lack of opportunities 
• Long-term health and mental health difficulties
• Addiction
• Severe financial difficulties
• Domestic violence/abuse
• Relationship breakdown
• Overcrowded, unsafe or unsuitable accommodation