Testimonials
Alana's Experience-Abbey Community College
I feel so lucky being apart of this campaign! When my school's Justice Group came to the information day in November, we were all so moved and touched by the stories the High Hopes told that we knew this project was special and that we wanted to make a difference. Everyone was so positive and really wanted to help change the stigma around homelessness. I really wanted to use all my skills to help the project so created several short videos to raise awareness-it was great because everyone was so supportive when feeding back and giving ideas. Working with the other schools has been great too! We've made friends with young from all across the country-like minded young people who want to make a difference. It's very inspiring and then working with the High Hopes is completely humbling, they are the most down to earth and wonderful people with so much courage. I really hope people get behind this campaign! |
Chloe's Experience-Abbey Community College
Hi my name is Chloe Barrett I'm in 4th year in Abbey Community College. I joined the justice group so I could try do something different in school and not just the normal school routine. When our teacher brought up the idea of going to the Edmund Rice Centre to meet the High Hopes Choir I was really really excited! I couldn't wait to go and hear them sing. When we met the High Hopes Choir, I was very emotional because of all the struggles these people had been through in their lives. They made me look at my life very differently and what little things I take for granted like a hot shower or a comfortable bed. I have enjoyed working with the High Hopes Choir for the last 6 to 7 months. I really really want to raise awareness about this problem because this is a serious issue that more and more people are facing on a daily basis. Please support our petition and help us raise awareness. |
Ciaran's Experience-Abbey Community College
When we first thought of this idea of helping raise awareness and tackling the crisis of homelessness in Ireland today, I thought it was an excellent idea. The great thing about this campaign is that, not only have we met former/current homeless people, we have met new students as well in our own area-that alone really gives it a sense of community to the project. The initial purpose of this campaign was to help homeless people but instead of just merely helping them, we are getting to know these people by listening to their stories about how they were in a dark place but eventually they brought themselves back into reality. By the people telling us their stories, we have gotten a stronger urge to help these people and anyone on the verge of becoming homeless. I feel that I have gained a lot from this campaign such as the realisation that not everyone has the comfort of having a home but worst of all, they feeling of being unwanted. |
Ellie's Experience-Abbey Community College
I feel so privileged to be apart of this campaign. On the information day in November our justice group were motivated and touched by the heart warming stories of the high hopes choir. We are delighted to be apart of this campaign full of young, determined students that want to make a change in Ireland. Everyone should have somewhere they call home. I have made so many new friends from all around Ireland who feel the same way as I do! From meeting the High Hopes and developing my knowledge on homelessness I cannot begin to explain how passionate I am that young people can make a change to people's lives! I feel that we can make a change together as one. Please support this amazing petition so that you can make a difference too! |
Anna's Experience-Abbey Community College
We all hear about homelessness, it's kind of hard to miss, but do we really take notice? Well, sadly, for the most part we don't, and I believe this has to change immediately! Being part of The One Campaign is fantastic. We've gotten the amazing opportunity to learn more about this tragic problem that we call homelessness, and we've been extremely lucky to work alongside the amazingly talented High Hopes Choir! Homelessness doesn't just mean one is without a house, it's the lack of feeling of security and sense of belonging! It could really happen to any of us, and let's be frank, it's terrifying! We need everyone to back us up with this campaign and put an end to homelessness for once and for all! |
Aisling's Experience-Ardscoil na Mara
I honestly didn't think I'd ever be involved in anything like this Campaign. I am so happy to be involved and I genuinely feel like we're all making a difference! Homelessness is something that can effect anyone and you don't know how hard it is until you talk to someone or put yourself in their position. We started it all at one workshop between a few schools from around Ireland. There was so much enthusiasm in the room, and I knew we could make a difference! We wanted to make it interesting, make people understand what we were campaigning for! Homelessness!! We got in touch with people from The High Hopes Choir and it all escalated from there. We started our Facebook page and put up interviews of their stories. I am so happy to be part of the Campaign! |
Jacques Experience-Middleton CBS
Hi, My name is Jacques and I'm a member of Midleton CBS Peace and Justice group. Our Peace and Justice group was set up after we attended a workshop in Mount Sion with the High Hopes Choir, Father Peter McVerry and 3 other schools. I was touched by the stories of the High Hopes Choir and by Fr. Peter McVerry's experience. Before this, I assumed that homeless people were homeless through their own fault. Instead, I saw the human side of homelessness and knew that something must be done. We set up our Peace and Justice group and immediately got to work organising a sleepout to raise funds and awareness. We got to see what it's like to sleep outside in the cold, but what touched me most was when we went into Cork City with one of our teachers and a contact of the school who both volunteer with the Simon Community to have a tour of Cork City from a homeless persons point of view. In just under 2 hours we felt how vulnerable people feel whether it was us who seemed threatening or us feeling threatened. This showed me how important our campaign is, not only to be done in school but to be continued until Homelessness is gone for good. |
Mark's Experience-Ard Scoil na Mara
Homelessness is something that many people do not take seriously in Ireland and it should not be acceptable in such a proud and forward-thinking society like Ireland's, I don't want to say that I sat there and did nothing. I think its very important to be generous to others and to try and make where you live better for everyone. After all, we're all just a paycheck away from it. Being a part of the campaign has really benefited me also. I wanted to get involved because I can see how much of an issue it really is and is destroying families and individuals alike. It's very rewarding to give back and to see how your work can make a difference. I would urge everyone to get behind this campaign and help make history. |
Joanne's Story-Abbey Community College
Hi, I’m Joanne, I’m a 6th year student in Abbey Community College, Waterford. This Campaign has completely changed my perspective on homelessness and the injustice in our world today. I met the High Hopes Choir from Waterford in November 2015. Meeting them and listening to them made me so upset. I can’t even begin to imagine how it feels to be homeless but now after hearing people’s stories I have a better insight. I feel that what our campaign is doing will make a difference, small or big and that is why I feel so passionate about it. Being in the Justice Group and part of the campaign has been the highlight of my six years in school because I feel connected to the people I’m helping and the people I’m working with. This experience has been phenomenal so far and I can’t wait to see where it goes! |