Focus Ireland announces Make Some Noise fundraiser to help end homelessness

Focus Ireland has announced Make Some Noise, a fundraising event to help end homelessness.

The music and fundraising event aiming to spread awareness for the national homelessness crisis will take place across Ireland on Friday May 1.

“At Focus Ireland, we want to end child homelessness, but we know that we can’t do it alone," says Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan.

"We know that homelessness affects people right across the country, with a record number of children experiencing the disruption to their education, development, and family life caused by living in emergency accommodation. This is wrong."

Participants are invited to take part in organised events in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Sligo; while local musicians are encouraged to host their own gigs and live performances in support.

Local primary schools are also asked to take part by assembling in the school yard, gym or hall at 11am on May 1, aiming to make as much noise as possible, through singing, clapping or stomping. Donations will made towards Focus Ireland through €2 per child.

17,308 people, including almost 5,500 children in Ireland, are currently without a home, living in temporary or emergency accommodation. Homelessness in Ireland has increased by 9% in the last year, with most recent figures showing that Focus Ireland worked with 587 families in 2024.

• Make Some Noise events will take place throughout Friday May 1 in the following locations:

Cork - Mahon Point Shopping Centre (9am – 5pm​)
Dublin - Blanchardstown Centre (9am – 8pm​)
Dublin - St Stephens Green Shopping Centre (12pm – 3pm)
Galway - Eyre Square Shopping Centre (11am – 5pm​)
Limerick - Crescent Shopping Centre (10am – 6pm​)
Sligo - The Canopy Shopping Centre (11am – 5pm​)