Man who lost Kilkenny business and became homeless is giving back
Thomas McNamara faced homelessness after losing his business in Kilkenny but thanks to help from the Good Shepherd Centre he is now looking forward to a stable future and is raising funds for the centre through the upcoming ‘Sleepathon for the Homeless’ event in Kilkenny City
A man who has experienced homelessness in Kilkenny is sleeping out later this month to raise funds for the centre that helped him return to education and full-time work.
Thomas McNamara, a social worker originally from Dublin, was in a seemingly comfortable position eight years ago, but life took a devastating turn.
“I had my own business in Kilkenny and I lost my business and my relationship at the time and I found myself sleeping in my car for two or three nights and then I was directed towards the Good Shepherd,” he explained.
“That had a huge impact on me in that moment, standing on the doorstep, waiting to press the doorbell with a sense of hopelessness, but lucky for me I came in.”
This period in his life was damaging in a number of ways, as the loss of a home and job dealt a major dent to Thomas’ pride.
“I went from being what most people class as successful, having my own business, young kids and a happy life but things changed drastically and I entered into a supposed arena in homelessness that I had never seen before.
“When I came in I realised there was so many people here just like me. One of the things I dislike is the image of homeless people as the old man and the dog in the doorway.”
Thomas, who had no previous experiences of mental health issues, found himself trapped due to the hand life had dealt, but claims calling to the Good Shepherd was his first positive step in turning his life around.
“I was lucky at the time I was in the Good Shepherd, I had a really good key worker, who got me counselling in Teac Tom which put me in a position to rebuild my life. Luckily enough, when I left after about a year I got a job in a supermarket outside Kilkenny, went to college, got an honours degree in social care and just last week I got my keys to my home for life.
“Having experienced homelessness myself, I know first-hand the impact it can have, not just on individuals, but on their families and loved ones.
“At a difficult time in my life, the Good Shepherd Centre was there to support me. With their help, I was able to get back on my feet, return to education, attend college and secure full-time employment.
“I know from personal experience that the right support at the right time can change someone's life. It certainly changed mine. That is why I will be taking part in this year's Sleepathon for the Homeless, sleeping out to raise much-needed funds for the Good Shepherd Centre.
Sleepathon for the Homeless
Sleepathon for the Homeless will be hosted by Cllr Joe Malone, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with the Good Shepherd Centre.
The campaign is calling on people across Kilkenny to become ‘Homeless Champions’ by registering to take part in an overnight sleepout (further details on Eventbrite) on Friday, November 20, in support of homelessness services.
“Homelessness can happen to anyone, but with the right help, there is always hope and a way forward. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a real difference. I would really appreciate your support. Together, we can help the Good Shepherd Centre continue to make a difference in people's lives, just as they did in mine.”
Thomas says that he now looks forward to an 'optimistic' and 'stable' future where he can assist in combating the homeless crisis.
The Good Shepherd Centre
The Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny remains a staple of city life as its response to the ongoing homelessness crisis continues to grow in importance and the number of people seeking housing help rises locally.
The registered charity, located on Church Lane in Kilkenny City, offers support to people across society experiencing or on the verge of homelessness, with no background or creed turned away.
Since its inception, the centre has catered to people struggling with addiction, mental health issues, people with disabilities, the elderly, low-income families and people exiting state care, hospital, or prison.
However, despite everyone carrying their own individual worries and concerns, the sterotypical view of who may or may not become homeless is far from the whole truth.
You can find Thomas’ fundraiser on the GoFundMe website or by clicking here.