By Cian Molloy - 17 September, 2017
Crosscare, the social services arm of the Dublin Archdiocese, has started to provide emergency 
accommodation for homeless families in the Mater Dei Institute of Education, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin revealed in a letter read out at all Masses in his diocese this weekend.
The letter is an appeal to the faithful to support the charity that was founded by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid in 1941. This weekend, at all Masses in the Dublin Archdiocese, instead of the usual Share collection, there will be a church-plate collection for Crosscare, whose services include youth work and a food bank that helps feed hundreds, if not thousands, of needy people every day.
“We are all aware of and troubled by the crisis of homelessness and poverty that, despite many efforts, persists right across our diocese and our country,” says Archbishop Martin in his letter. “For over 75 years now, Crosscare has mirrored the loving kindness of Jesus Christ through providing food and accommodation, information and advice, education and support to those who are most in need in our society; people who are homeless, in crisis, disabled and isolated, elderly and alone.
“Crosscare sets out to redress the harsh consequences of poverty and disadvantage. It works to identify social exclusion, in its old and new expressions, and to lead those who are excluded into being once again, people who can realise their God-given dignity and potential to the fullest degree possible.”
The Archbishop said, “Crosscare’s actions and programmes are shaped by the fact that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. This guides Crosscare to provide the highest standard of care and support to those who use their services. In the face of the uncertainties, the insecurities and the precariousness of our times, those who need support can rely on Crosscare. In the past few weeks, Crosscare’s family hub on the former Mater Dei campus has begun providing new dignified emergency accommodation for families. This is still temporary accommodation, but in a short space of time, Crosscare has already helped a significant number of these families to move out into homes of their own”.
The Archbishop ended his letter, “I would like to thank you, the people of our Archdiocese, for supporting the work of Crosscare each year, and I urge you to be generous again this year and to give what you can to this collection”.
