A pocket-sized map outlining services for the homeless community in Dublin has been produced by CentreCare, an advocacy agency that works with homeless people.
The map charts where people over 18 can access emergency and long-term accommodation, locations of food centres that provide quality low-cost food, and where to avail of basic healthcare facilities throughout the city.
A guide on the back of the map locates advice centres where people can obtain information on housing and how to access supplementary welfare allowance until unemployment assistance is processed.
Information on access to education and training is also provided. A "steps out of homelessness" guide provides information on the long- and short-term accommodation options for homeless people.
CentreCare plans to make the pocket-sized map and a wallchart version available in homeless centres and agencies, citizens' advice bureaus, social services centres, the Women's Aid network and Garda stations, according to Yvonne Fleming, co-ordinator of CentreCare.
Some 2,000 maps have been produced and CentreCare is planning another print run in the near future, funding permitted.
Some 3,000 people will be homeless in Dublin this Christmas and "demand for services included on this map is high", Ms Fleming said at the launch of the map at the Mansion House in Dublin yesterday.
Nora Kirrane, information officer with CentreCare, said the map and included information would act "as a major signpost to the location of essential services for those in need".
At the launch yesterday, Cllr Eibhlinn Byrne said: "By empowering people by providing this map, it's helping the problem," she said.
The production of the map was funded by the ESB, Dublin City Council and the Health Service Executive through the Homeless Agency.
An electronic version of the map of homeless services is available from www.centrecare.ie.