Homeless & Alone. One Big Push.
Adults facing homelessness alone have been excluded. Let's fix it.
21-25 September 2026
As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Simon Week 2026 comes at a pivotal moment in the fight against homelessness.
Five years after signing the Lisbon Declaration and committing to work towards ending homelessness by 2030, Ireland has an opportunity to lead. Yet homelessness remains at record levels and single adults continue to be the largest and fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness.
This Simon Week, Simon Communities of Ireland is shining a spotlight on people facing homelessness alone and calling for one big action that can help prevent, reduce and ultimately end homelessness.
The challenge before us is significant.
The evidence is compelling.
Ireland has the opportunity to lead.
Now we need one big push.
One Big Action
Broker a Meaningful EU Council Recommendation on Housing Exclusion
This Presidency presents the opportunity for Government to turn commitment into action on homelessness.
Member States adopting and implementing the EU Council Recommendation on Housing Exclusion would send a clear signal of Ireland’s commitment to ending homelessness and provide an evidence-based pathway towards meeting its commitment under the Lisbon Declaration to end homelessness by 2030.
Ireland has a key role in brokering these discussions during the Presidency.
The final Recommendation should align with the three actions Simon Communities of Ireland believes are essential to ending single adult homelessness.
Simon Communities of Ireland is calling on Government to broker the strongest possible version of the EU Council Recommendation on Housing Exclusion, and to be a leader across Europe in eradicating homelessness.
Three Actions to Deliver Change
Prevent Evictions
Strengthen prevention measures, tenancy protections and early intervention supports so fewer people lose their homes and enter homelessness.
Provide Housing
Increase the delivery of social and affordable housing, particularly one-bedroom homes, and expand proven housing-led approaches such as Housing First.
Provide Supports
Ensure people experiencing homelessness can access the services they need to rebuild their lives and sustain tenancies long term.
Prevent Evictions. Provide Housing. Prioritise Supports.
One European Recommendation.
Three Irish Actions.
One Big Push Towards Ending Homelessness By 2030.
Simon Week 2026 Programme
A Week of Action, Awareness and Advocacy
Simon Week 2026 is a national week of action bringing together communities, supporters, policymakers, homelessness organisations and people with lived experience to build momentum for change.
Across Ireland, Simon Communities will host events, conferences, advocacy activities and public awareness initiatives designed to raise awareness of single adult homelessness, influence policy and accelerate action towards ending homelessness.
National Awareness & Fundraising Campaign
Throughout the week, Simon Communities of Ireland will deliver a national awareness and fundraising campaign across social media, digital channels and broadcast platforms.
The campaign will feature disruptive creative content designed to challenge perceptions of homelessness and shine a light on the reality facing adults experiencing homelessness alone.
Galway Simon Conference
22nd September
The event will bring together colleagues, healthcare professionals, researchers and partners to:
- Explore the relationship between homelessness and health
- Share learning and best practice
- Celebrate collaborative achievements
- Strengthen responses to people living with complex and significant health needs
For more information contact: Fintan Maher:
Leinster House Engagement
23rd September
The event will provide an opportunity to share evidence, frontline experiences and policy priorities while highlighting the actions required to deliver on Ireland's commitment to ending homelessness by 2030.
Simon Week National Conference
24th September
Key themes include:
- Single adult homelessness
- Homelessness prevention
- Housing supply and affordability
- Housing First
- Health and homelessness
- Human rights and social inclusion
- European collaboration
- Delivering on the commitments of the Lisbon Declaration
Live Reaction to Homelessness Figures
25th September
The event will provide expert analysis, sector perspectives and commentary on what the figures mean for homelessness policy, housing delivery and supports for people experiencing homelessness.
Cash & Carry Kitchens Corporate Partnership
Simon Communities of Ireland is proud to partner with Cash & Carry Kitchens, whose continued support is helping to enhance accommodation and support services for people experiencing homelessness across Ireland.
Through their Helping Homes charity initiative, Cash & Carry Kitchens has generously designed, manufactured and installed high-quality kitchens in Simon Community services in Galway, Cork and Ennis.
These transformed spaces do far more than provide functional kitchens. They help create welcoming, dignified environments within Simon services, supporting people as they access accommodation, rebuild stability and work towards a brighter future.
2026 marks the fourth consecutive year that Cash & Carry Kitchens has supported Simon Week, and we are delighted to welcome them once again as a Simon Week sponsor.
This year’s campaign, Homeless & Alone. One Big Push., highlights the urgent need for action to prevent, reduce and ultimately end homelessness among single adults. Partnerships such as this demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations come together to support practical solutions and lasting change.
We are grateful to Cash & Carry Kitchens for their continued commitment, generosity and shared belief that everyone deserves the dignity, security and belonging that a home provides.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural and Community Development.
