Mendicity is a low threshold food and day service for people experiencing homelessness. We are open 6 days per week and serve 2 meals per day, as well as tea & coffee and snacks throughout.

We have approximately 250 regulars attending our service, and over half of these have no income at all. A large portion of our service users are EU migrants, and International Protection applicants who are sleeping outside.

Our food and day service offers the following support to those who are homeless:

• • Meal service

• • Daytime shelter with access to Wi-Fi and charging facilities

• • Hygiene: shower, laundry, hygiene packs, clean clothes

• • Advocacy and employment support

• • Safety Net Primary Care

In addition to our food and day service, we also offer part-time employment to those coming from homelessness and addiction in our social enterprise. This employment is offered to those eligible for Tús.

History

The Mendicity Institution has been in operation for 205 years. Since 1818, we have been continuously helping those who are homeless, poor and marginalised. Our food and employment services still survive today. However, in the past we offered additional supports such as our transmission service – offering fare for passage home or to emigrate to a new life. Mendicity has survived many turbulent times in history including the Famine, 1916 Rising and many more.

Read all about our extensive history in the latest edition of ‘Dublin Outsiders: A History of the Mendicity Institution 1818 – 2018’, available to buy online in our shop. All proceeds go towards our frontline services.

Our Governance

Mendicity is committed to providing transparency and the best quality service to our clients and those who donate to us

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FAQ

Who can access our service?

Mendicity is open to those who are homeless. We will prioritise those sleeping outside or staying in hostel accommodation with limited support. New presentations must be verified.

What services do we provide?

We offer free meals daily, tea/coffee, snacks, WiFi and charging facilities. We also offer a shower and laundry service, as well as access to hygiene products. This service is limited to those who are known to our organisation and to people who are sleeping outside and/or with no income. We also offer limited support in accessing accommodation, employment and training. We offer food parcels to people living in the community (registration required). These services are all free of charge and subject to availability. 

What hours are we open?

We are open Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 10.30 pm (closed door access from 4:30 pm. Last admission at 7:30 pm. Evening service only for those sleeping outside). On Sundays we open 9.30 am – 2.30 pm, and again from 5:30 – 10:30 pm (. We serve two meals per day and snacks/tea/coffee throughout. 

How can I apply to work in the Workshop?

Those who are long term homeless and are experiencing addiction are welcome to apply to our social enterprise. Employment in the social enterprise is offered  to those eligible for Tús. To apply email workshop@mendicity.org

Our Team

Louisa Santoro
CEO

Jackie Whelan
Kitchen Staff

SAMANTHA BYRNE
Kitchen Staff

Tanya Morozova

Front of House 

KATE FITZSIMONS
Head of Operations

With your help, we can provide free supports to those experiencing homelessness

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Food

We provide over 35,000 free meals per year

Hygiene

Access to shower, laundry, hygiene products and clean clothing

Training & Employment

Access to training and employment supports as well as free WiFi and charging facilities

Social Enterprise

Employment in Mendicity to those experiencing homelessness and addiction
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