About Us
Dublin's oldest working charity providing food and support to those who are homeless
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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:
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- Meal service
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- Daytime shelter with access to Wi-Fi and charging facilities
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- Hygiene: shower, laundry, hygiene packs, clean clothes
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- Advocacy and employment support
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- 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 through a CE Scheme in partnership with Addiction Response Crumlin, and to those eligible for Tús.
History
The Mendicity Institution has been in operation for over 200 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
Read More
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, as well as shower, laundry, hygiene facilities and free WiFi and charging facilities. We also offer limited support in accessing accommodation, employment and training. These services are subject to availability.
What hours are we open?
We are open Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 2.30 pm, and Sundays 9.30 am – 2.30 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 through a CE Scheme in partnership with Addiction Response Crumlin, or to those eligible for Tús. To apply email workshop@mendicity.org

Our Team
Louisa Santoro
CEO
Jackie Whelan
Kitchen Staff
SAMANTHA BYRNE
Kitchen Staff
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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