Dublin Simon Community officially opens new women-only service in Kildare 

This week, Dublin Simon Community officially opened its new shared housing service in Osberstown, Co Kildare.

The five-bed, low-support accommodation is designed for women experiencing homelessness who are preparing to move into independent living. This offers dignity to women accessing services at a time where having your own room in homelessness is rare.

This would not have happened without Kildare County Council, their dedication and willingness to invest and develop much-needed services in the county, particularly for the women of Kildare.   

The service began operating in September, welcoming the first three residents. By the end of September, all five rooms were occupied, with the women there ranging in age from their mid-20s to mid-60s.

The service is spacious and well equipped, with a communal garden space for recreation. It is a low-support service, with one key worker and one project worker on site from 9am to 5pm every weekday. 

This service is designed with the aim of supporting clients to exit homelessness forever. With the bespoke service, the women can work and live largely independent lives while searching for their own front door and home. One of the residents said that she has found so much peace since arriving at Osberstown and that her mental health has improved greatly.  

According to the most recent homeless figures from the Department of Housing, there are 257 women experiencing homelessness in the Mid East, representing 44% of all adults in the region, which comprises Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. This is higher than the percentage of women nationally, which is 39% of the total number of adults experiencing homelessness.  

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Speaking at the launch event, Carmel Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, said: “It is an honour to be here today for the official opening of Osberstown Cottage—a project that brings hope and opportunity to women in our community. County Kildare, like many parts of Ireland, faces significant challenges in addressing homelessness.

“Osberstown Cottage provides safe, short-term accommodation for up to five women, with tailored support from Dublin Simon Community. It reflects the commitment of Kildare County Council to work in partnership with trusted organisations and to align with the Mid-East Region Homelessness Action Plan 2024-2026.” 

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said: "Osberstown represents more than a new service – it represents dignity, safety, and a pathway home for women who are left with too few options for too long. In recent times, we have seen the proportion of women experiencing homelessness rise, something that has been evident in Kildare.

“These women deserve spaces specifically designed around their needs. This service offers privacy, stability and the chance to rebuild a daily life, whether it is going to work, studying, or simply closing their own bedroom door at night. At Osberstown, these five women have been offered a new shared community. 

“At Dublin Simon, we believe that no one should have to make the decision to sleep on the street, or in their car. With this new accommodation, we are able to offer safety, warmth and comfort to five women who otherwise might not have had anywhere to turn. We will continue to support these women, and all women across our services, as we work to end homelessness once and for all.” 

To support Dublin Simon’s work or to learn more, visit www.dubsimon.ie.