An initiative created in Ireland is empowering homeless individuals by training them to work as walking-tour guides for their own town, giving them a second chance to better their life.
My Streets was first implemented in Drogheda, one of Irelands oldest towns in 2014 and due to its successful impact has recently launched in Dublin.
On their official website, My Streets explains that homelessness is a growing problem in their country.
“There are 9,698 people officially homeless in Ireland, 71,858 on social housing waiting lists and large numbers of family homes at risk of repossession. These are just three facts that highlight the depth of the current housing and homelessness crisis in this country; an industrial scale problem with grave social, moral and financial implications for us all.”
The company is looking to expand their works across the country in order to help more people. Individuals are trained to provide a mixture of local history and personal insight to visitors.
Their personal experience provides unique insight into the town and creates an informative and entertaining experience for everyone.
In many circumstances, individuals find themselves on the streets, whether it be due to their own choices or not.
In order to break the boundaries that exist between the lesser fortunate and others, My Streets aims to give homeless individuals a voice.
“The ‘My Streets’ model moves beyond restrictive narratives around homelessness and helplessness and provides a constructive interface between the general public and people who have experienced homelessness, thus giving a human reality to an all too often oversimplified issue.”
All tour guides receive professional training, support and earning potential allowing them to find a home of their own.
One of the tour guides shares his touching story in the video below:
Tourists and locals can book a tour on their website here.
Picture: Facebook, My Streets Ireland
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