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Registered Architects Across Ireland Donate their Time to Support the Simon Communities for 19th Year Running
RIAI Simon Open Door returns for the 19th year, offering homeowners the unique opportunity to receive expert advice from an RIAI Registered Architect. Ireland's architects are on standby, ready to donate their time by offering professional advice on home improvements, all in aid of the Simon Communities.
Since 2004, the campaign has been raising funds for the work of the Simon Communities to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
In return for a €98 donation, homeowners can avail of an hour-long consultation with an RIAI Registered Architect to discuss building, renovating or retrofitting their homes. Consultations will take place online or in the office of the Architect and all funds raised go directly to the Simon Communities to support their work in tackling homelessness.
LR: RIAI CEO, Kathryn Meghen, Campaign Spokerperson Dermot Bannon MRIAI and Wayne Stanley, Executive Director, Simon Communities of Ireland
Commenting on this year’s campaign, Kathryn Meghen, RIAI CEO said:
“RIAI Simon Open Door is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to get professional advice from a Registered Architect on how to adapt or extend your home to suit your lifestyle. We have seen a rising trend in those seeking to future-proof their homes in the face of increasing energy costs, and this is a perfect opportunity to get an expert’s opinion.
Now in its 19th year, the success of this campaign is evident in its duration. We rely on the continued generosity of our Architects who donate their time and expertise to support Simon Communities in raising much needed funds for the provision of their services.
The RIAI and its members are proud to partner to tackle homelessness across Ireland and to support the vital services provided by Simon Communities at this time.”
Wayne Stanley, Executive Director, Simon Communities of Ireland:
“Last year the generosity of RIAI members and the public raised more than €100,000, which supported the work of the Simon Communities across Ireland. It is well documented that homelessness is at a record level, but the support of the RIAI Simon Open Door initiative is helping us to end homelessness, one family, one individual at a time and to strive for the change we need, to see an Ireland where homelessness can be ended.
Funds raised from RIAI Simon Open Door last year have had an incredible impact – they not only helped in the refurbishment of a house that will become someone’s permanent home, but they also enable us to provide safe, secure spaces to those experiencing the trauma of homelessness and supported everyday prevention services that are essential to ending homelessness before it begins.
This work is needed now more than ever and the support of initiatives like RIAI Simon Open Door is critical to ensuring that it can continue.”
Registered Architect and RIAI Simon Open Door Ambassador, Dermot Bannon, MRIAI, said:
“The RIAI Simon Open Door event is a long running initiative that connects homeowners and Registered Architects across the country. We have seen people take so much from the consultations, getting advice on everything from future proofing their current home to building a new house. All money raised goes to the Simon Communities to support their dedication to tackling homelessness in Ireland. Consultations are limited, so don’t miss out!”
The funds raised by the RIAI Simon Open Door campaign in 2022 enabled Simon Communities in supporting the services provided by the organisation, helping those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing food poverty, addressed through various food provision programmes. The money raised also went towards impactful housing programmes, renovations and refurbishments to houses, ensuring clients lived in more comfortable accommodation.
Registration for the event is now open and people are encouraged to book a consultation with a RIAI Registered Architect in their local area by visiting www.riaisimonopendoor.ie.
Please feel free to spread the word about the RIAI Simon Open Door campaign by using the hashtag #RIAISimon
Media Contacts:
Kelly French / Holly Ryan, Drury Communications
Kelly.French@drury.ie / holly.ryan@drury.ie
083 320 9740 / 086 311 1030
About the Simon Communities of Ireland
The Simon Communities support over 22,000 men, women and children. We have 50 years of experience providing homeless, housing and treatment services to people facing the trauma and stress of homelessness. Our services include:
- Homelessness prevention, tenancy sustainment and resettlement.
- Street outreach, emergency accommodation and harm reduction.
- Housing with support and Housing First services.
- Homeless specific health and wellbeing services (counselling; addiction treatment and recovery; and mental health supports).
- Personal development, education, training and employment services.
- Foodbanks, drop-in centres and soup runs.
About the RIAI
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) supports and regulates the architectural profession and promotes the value that architecture brings to society for everyone’s benefit. We work to ensure high standards for consumer protection and have over 3,300 Registered Architects in Ireland.
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