42. Irish Enterprise Awards 2026 AIM-Jan26049 Founded in 1982 by Sr. Cait Fitzgerald, Drogheda Homeless Aid (DHA) is a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing homelessness in Louth and Meath. With 25 beds available in its hostel, it provides a safe living space for an average of 140 men a year, while also helping those struggling with addiction, and offering holistic assistance including counselling and life skills in a home-like, judgement-free space. This is in addition to having three family homes available, and a shared house for women who are escaping domestic violence or seeking help with addiction or mental health issues. We speak to Chief Executive Officer, Mandie Walsh to learn more about DHA’s incredible, vital work. “Our guiding belief is that, in today’s economic climate, many people are only one pay check away from homelessness,” Mandie begins. “With this understanding, we take a deeply humane, open, and welcoming approach – treating every individual with respect, compassion, and empathy as they work toward stability and renewed independence.” Drogheda Homeless Aid is the only hostel that caters for men in Meath and Louth, and it deals with the most difficult cases of drug and alcohol addiction, many of which have developed as a result of ill mental health. Mandie says, “We champion our men for their achievements and help them overcome the stigma of being homeless or an addict. This is a major part of their being successful, as when you’re homeless, you become invisible. It’s the journey of finding yourself and recovering your identity that really empowers our men.” DHA is operating within a worsening homelessness crisis in Ireland, where record numbers of individuals and families have no choice but to rely on emergency accommodation. And the most concerning trend of all is the dramatic rise in family and child homelessness. DHA’s service in particular is seeing an increasing rise of those in need due to alcohol or drug addiction. This is while charities such as DHA are finding it more and more challenging to deliver their essential services due to severe underfunding. Fundraising and corporate donations are in decline due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis impacting households and businesses. Despite significant government investment and new housing strategies, homelessness figures are still on the rise. Mandie tells us how DHA is responding. “[We are] focusing on early intervention, prevention, and holistic support, working closely with local partners to address the root cause of homelessness. We use data-led insights to anticipate emerging needs, prioritise sustainable exits from homelessness, and advocate for stronger preventionfocused policy. By combining frontline experience with strategic community engagement, we ensure our response remains effective, adaptive, and centred on dignity and long-term outcomes.” Those who are staying at DHA have access to a comfortable living space that prioritises their comfort, dignity, and care. They have 24hour access to food and drinks, in addition to three nutritious daily meals, while also being welcome to use facilities including communal spaces, such as a TV lounge and pool room designed for relaxation and connecting with others. Furthermore, DHA provides onsite counselling and access to medical professionals to aid the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of residents. This comes alongside holistic programmes to develop personal growth and self-esteem, inviting individuals to take part in art therapy, strength and conditioning sessions, and yoga. Additionally, a professional barber visits once a month to provide haircuts and beard trims, further promoting dignity and self-care. Last but not least, DHA delivers a Meals on Wheels service three days a week, offering hot meals to members of the local community who are elderly, sick, or vulnerable. Now, we ask Mandie to give us an insight into what’s ahead for Drogheda Homeless Aid. “We have secured funding for an onsite nurse or GP from the Hospital Saturday Fund, so we will be setting that up in the coming weeks,” she shares. “This will allow us to relieve some of the pressure on the A&E department or the out-ofhours doctor, as our clients will be seen onsite. Ideally, we would like to secure more funding for this project so we could have this service a couple of days a week or a month. “We are also hoping to secure funding for our 24-hour survival project, where we can supply those who cannot secure a bed in a hostel with hot food and beverages at our door, along with clean clothes, sleeping bags, and tents, if required. This would be in line with our core values – dignity, respect, compassion, and empowerment – as even a tent can provide a welcome shelter from the elements.” For more information about Drogheda Homelessness Aid, or if you would like to donate, please visit the website. Contact Details Company name: Drogheda Homeless Aid Contact name: Mandie Walsh Website: www.dha.ie Best Homelessness Reduction Initiative 2026
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