{"id":7395,"date":"2017-08-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-08-27T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svp.matrix-test.com\/article\/cro-na-gaillimhe-introduce-two-initiatives-for-people-leaving-direct-provision\/"},"modified":"2024-05-24T12:20:36","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T11:20:36","slug":"cro-na-gaillimhe-introduce-two-initiatives-for-people-leaving-direct-provision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.svp.ie\/news\/cro-na-gaillimhe-introduce-two-initiatives-for-people-leaving-direct-provision\/","title":{"rendered":"Cro\u00ed na Gaillimhe introduce two initiatives for people leaving Direct Provision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cro\u00ed na Gaillimhe introduced two new initiatives recently for people who are leaving Direct Provision. One was with the local Credit Unions and the other assisting people with status to move into the community.<\/p>\n

Leaving Direct Provision: Easing the Financial Pressure<\/h3>\n

A new initiative introduced by Cro\u00ed na Gaillimhe and delivered by the Galway Credit Union:<\/p>\n

Families and individuals who have \u2018leave to remain\u2019 status in Ireland face a number of obstacles when trying to move into the community.\u00a0 Finding suitable accommodation is a real difficulty and the well documented situation of demand exceeding supply means that people often remain in direct provision for long periods of time.\u00a0 The cost of moving is another issue as the majority of people have no savings and can\u2019t access credit through the normal lending channels.\u00a0 This seriously disadvantages people as they can\u2019t make up any shortfalls in deposits or buy essentials when they find a home.<\/p>\n

This situation prompted Cro\u00ed na Gaillimhe to contact St Columba\u2019s and St Anthony\u2019s and Claddagh Credit Union to discuss the possibility of offering loans to people in direct provision with a deferred payment option until they move into their home.\u00a0 The Credit Unions were very open to the idea and promptly put a mechanism in place for people to apply for the loan.\u00a0 They have held information sessions in both direct provision centres and already have new customers.<\/p>\n

The SVP Social Justice Committee is also very supportive of the initiative as it is a natural fit with their aims and objectives.<\/p>\n

Cro\u00ed na Gaillimhe is delighted that the Credit Union responded so quickly and that the initiative will in some way help make the transition to the community that bit easier. Perhaps this could be an option for other Credit Unions in different parts of Ireland to implement.<\/p>\n

Leaving Direct Provision to move to the community<\/h3>\n

In November \u00a02016 we extended our services to people living in direct provision who have got their status (leave to remain\/refugee status\/subsidiary protection) and are planning to move to their new home.<\/p>\n

The Bridge service operates two mornings a week and we offer:<\/p>\n