Bishopsgrove Supported Student Accommodation

In recognition of the Cork Foyer's unique experience and expertise for creating opportunities and transforming lives of young homeless people, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Cork City Council have both invested significantly into expanding the Cork Foyer service, allowing it to open a second and substantial Project, Bishopsgrove Supported Student Accommodation.

This tailor-made Project comprises of 39 units and has been designed to redress the needs of persons from a diverse range of disadvantaged communities, including the homeless and those leaving care without stable accommodation and serves as a working example of the co-operation and shared purpose that can be achieved by different stake-holders, both Statutory and NGO, coming together with a commitment towards achieving a common agreed aim.

Working in close partnership with TUSLA, Liberty Street House for Young People out of Home and Focus Ireland, the Foyer Project is now able to reach a wider spectrum of young people who were at imminent risk of becoming homeless and provide a diversionary window of opportunity through education.  Amongst many other benefits, this marvellous homeless prevention initiative is also assisting many other young people who have already progressed well in a homeless service, including the Foyer, to continue in their positive journey through education.

Barry Waddingham, Foyer Manager said “It is such a satisfying privilege to watch our service users continue with their educational aspirations all the way through to 3rd level education and even on to university, ensuring that they have the best possible pathway to economic participation, entrepreneurship, fulfilling employment and independent living”.

From proposal to the first student moving into Bishopsgrove took approximately 9 months, a remarkable achievement by anybodies standards!