That Joe Guy

Tonight was one of those nights that left us speechless. 💔 There are very few nights on our soup run that truly leave us lost for words, but tonight was one of them. The sheer number of people, the desperation on their faces, and the overwhelming need for something as basic as a hot meal was heartbreaking to witness. At one stage, the pressure on our queue became so intense that the rope barrier came down and people surged forward towards the food tables. Our volunteers struggled to regain control, and having to ask people to step back, knowing how desperately they needed food, was absolutely heartbreaking. We even had to warn that we might have to stop serving if we couldn't restore order. Imagine having to say those words to people who are simply hungry. Tonight wasn't about people being difficult. It was about desperation. It was about hunger. It was about people struggling to survive. And that is what has stayed with us tonight. Despite everything, we made sure that every single person received a hot meal, a bag of food and essential supplies to help them through. Nobody was left without. Tonight, we had 450 hot meals, along with fresh vegetables, bananas, apples, oranges, yoghurts, fresh bread, brown bread, sandwiches, pastries and plenty of other goodies. Our tea and coffee station was also kept busy throughout the evening. A very special thank you to the Traveller Women's Sheds, who kindly donated all the beautiful treats from our wonderful coffee morning together earlier today. We brought everything down to our tea and coffee station, and our homeless friends thoroughly enjoyed every last bit. ❤️ But tonight has left us with a very real worry. How much longer can we continue to meet this growing need? How many more people are going to find themselves depending on soup runs just to eat? We know we are not alone. Across Dublin, other soup runs and homeless outreach groups are undoubtedly witnessing the same struggles, the same hunger and the same desperation. We cannot do this without your generosity, your donations and your continued support. Tonight reminded us, perhaps more than ever, why we do what we do. But it also reminded us just how frightening the level of need has become. These are human beings. They deserve dignity, compassion and the basic right to food. We went home tonight knowing everyone had been fed, but with heavy hearts, wondering what tomorrow will bring. From all of us at Muslim Sisters of Éire, thank you for helping us continue to be there. ❤️ #MuslimSistersOfEire #MSOE #HomelessnessIreland #DublinHomeless #SoupRun #FoodPoverty #HumanityFirst #CompassionInAction #CommunitySupport #NoOneShouldGoHungry msoe.ie/donate/