Dolly’s story – there’s no place like home

Dolly, in her early twenties, moved into her new home last December with her two young children. This happy outcome occurred as a result of Dolly’s own hard work, the support of Clúid, Focus Ireland – through their Housing First for Youth service (HF4Y), and Waterford City Council.

Dolly lived with her mother and siblings in a Clúid home up to age 18. She suffered serious childhood trauma and she was struggling, she had suffered close family bereavements and Dolly had moved out of the family home. Her mother approached Clúid for support to prevent her daughter from becoming homeless.

Clúid’s Resident Housing Officer approached Waterford City Council to request that Dolly be nominated for a one bedroomed home under the HF4Y service, which was approved. At this time she was 19 years of age and studying for her Leaving Certificate. Clúid and Focus Ireland provided support to her, helping her to learn the skills needed for independent living such as household budgeting, utilities and paying rent.

Dolly is has moved on with her life and is now working, has become a mother herself and moved to a new Clúid home with her two young children.

The picture above is of the shoes of her children carefully placed at the bottom of the stairs as they went upstairs to explore their new home.