Homelessness is an issue anyone could face
Homelessness can happen to anyone, says Killucan native Sharon, who’s now living in a new home in Mullingar having endured the plight for eight months during 2020. She spent that period in homeless accommodation at Teach Fáilte, Mullingar and said it was the biggest upheaval she has ever endured.
“We all take things for granted, but in the current climate, with the cost of living and the price of houses, you are truly just one wage away from homelessness,” she said.
Sharon had a full-time job with the Health Service Executive, working as a multi-task attendant, earning a good weekly wage of between €600 and €700, but an extraordinary set of circumstances left her sleeping rough in her car.
She left Killucan at 17 years of age and went to Dublin to work, She worked with the HSE there before moving to Cork in 2007. Sharon got married in 2014, but her marriage broke up three years later and her life began to unravel.
After her break-up, Sharon was involved in an unfortunate accident in which she suffered crushing injuries to both her legs. She spent a long time in hospital and was unable to return to work and therefore unable to earn a wage to pay for her home.
“I was living in a lovely three-bedroom house in Cobh, paying €1,000 a month rent, but I couldn’t afford that. I had to make a decision and while my landlord at the time was very good to me, I just couldn’t afford the monthly payments, so I was forced to leave,” she said.
Sharon returned home to Killucan in 2018, but things didn’t work out on the domestic front and, after eight months, she ended up homeless, along with her two dogs, living in her car.
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It was then that she decided to turn to the Temporary Emergency Accommodation service in Mullingar.
“I had nowhere else to turn and I knew I needed urgent help, so it was the only option,” she said.
“I’m 21 years in recovery from addiction, so I knew I could rely on people’s advice and I was someone who was used to following guidance. I trusted TEAM and knew I had their support.”
Sharon had friends who offered her help, but she was reluctant to just become a couch surfer. She felt embarrassed and didn’t wish to intrude on another family, so her choice was the homeless hostel in Mullingar.
“I’m someone who is independent-minded and, having been away from home at a young age, was used to my own independence,” she said.
Sharon is a former sports star and someone who had a successful career.
She played football for Westmeath ladies at 17 years of age, and was part of the side who faced Kerry in Croke Park in 1987.
“It was a senior all-Ireland final and I have my runner-up medal from that year, which I’m very proud of. There are 25 of us in the county with one. I played ladies football for Kinnegad and camogie for Raharney.”
Sharon had never been out of work, but following the injuries she sustained in the accident, she was left with no choice.
Having been homeless, Sharon has, through the help of Teach Fáilte, turned a corner and is now in her own home again. Initially, she was advised by the local authority to return to Cork, but that wasn’t an option for her.
“I then got the option to stay in Teach Fáilte and it worked out for me. I’m renting a flat through Westmeath County Council and I’m delighted with it,” she said.
Sharon praises the staff of Teach Fáilte for their friendly approach.
“It’s not your typical homeless shelter; it’s just a different place where people are so kind and caring. I’m so grateful for what they gave me and each year, at Christmas and Easter, I do fundraising for them, because I like to give something back,” she said.
“They have me so much freedom, so much care and I worked with them in the process. I met people from all walks of life who were homeless and my advice to them was ‘never let anyone put you down’. After eight months I was offered my apartment and I haven’t looked back.”