A £6.4 million project to help young homeless men and women escape from the streets and into jobs has been announced by the City of Dublin YMCA.
Up to 35 homeless people will live in individual bed-sits at the YMCA's Aungier Street, Dublin, premises.
They will work at the YMCA's catering, childcare and sports facilities and gain recognised qualifications in these areas.
The project could help more than 100 young people to break out of homelessness permanently in its first three years.
The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) says it is "very hopeful" of receiving Government funding for the project, the first time it has sought State funding in its 150-year history.
It has also begun an appeal for £100,000 to pay for the cost of preparing a planning application and to provide funds.
At its Aungier Street premises the YMCA provides a crΦche, computer training, a gym, a youth centre and other services. People who are long-term unemployed, young people in troubled circumstances and the local community use the facilities.
Despite its name, all its facilities and jobs have been open to women as well as men since 1988. It is a non-denominational body.
A problem in raising funds is that most people know little about the YMCA, says Mr David Kearney, one of its senior development managers. The organisation is to hold a "Y Week" from February 21st to increase awareness.
The accommodation and training project was chosen by the YMCA to mark its 150th anniversary.
It will occupy a section of its premises that has not been built on and for which it has turned down offers of £1 million.
The organisation has appointed two senior development managers, Mr David Kearney and Ms Mary Seery, to get it off the ground.
Mr Kearney knows all about street life. He slept in a car for months and dropped out of a 21-year hotel career after a personal tragedy left him unable to cope.
Ms Seery says many young people cannot reach their potential because they are living on the streets due to abuse or difficulties at home.
The project aims to help the young abused and disadvantaged who are aged between 16 and 25.
Each will have a separate, self-contained unit with separate kitchen and sitting areas. Childcare will be provided for any lone parents.
They will be trained in the onsite childcare facility, the fitness area, and the secretarial and catering areas.
The aim, says Mr Kearney, is that each will end up with a recognised qualification. They will then move to an apartment on the site where they will learn the skills of independent living.
Ms Seery says she is confident the organisation will receive Government funding, but that first it urgently need £100,000 "seed money" for the project.