Since 2012 COPE Galway has been bringing business leaders together to experience a winters’ night on our the street of Galway to raise funds for COPE Galway’s homeless services. This memorable night fosters solidarity and brings home the realities of homelessness in a way like no other. Through the years the Business Leaders’ Sleep Out has raised over €1.5m for COPE Galway’s homeless services.
What is the COPE Galway Sleepout?
How it all began: A history of the Business Leader’s Sleep Out
In 2012, a small group of business people started the Sleep Out in response to a growing crisis emerging in Galway. Hannah Kiely, the event founder, recalls “We saw increasing numbers of people sleeping rough and felt we needed to do something about it, we made a point of being out on the street ourselves”.
The Business Leader’s Sleep Out has grown over the past 12 years, encouraging business leaders to jump outside their comfort zone and raise vital funds for COPE Galway’s Homeless Service.
“What is so profound about taking part in the Sleep Out is the understanding that develops when you are out on the street, seeing the situation first-hand and the coming together of people who want to make a difference. The fact that many have taken part more than once demonstrates the uniqueness of this fundraising event”. Hannah Kiely
2012
5 Participants
€7,000
Raised
2014
26 Participants
€50,000
Raised
2016
25 Participants
€122,800
Raised
2019
28 Participants
€185,000
Raised
2022
39 Participants
€200,600
Raised
About COPE Galway and Homeless Services
Our Homeless Service provides support and services for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We provide a range of services and supports for individuals and families at various stages of their journey out of homelessness. Our team work together with clients and community partners to find sustainable solutions for people who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming.
COPE Galway focusses on supporting people to exit homelessness.
We provide individualised support which builds on the strengths of each client.
We realize the widespread impact of trauma and the need to understand and respect the individual journey of each person.
Day Centre with Health Supports
Fairgreen Hostel for Men (26 beds)
Osterley Lodge for Women (12 beds)
Prevention & Key Worker Support
Family Hub (12 units)
Emergency Accommodation for Families
Family Support Services incl. a Homework Club
Resettlement and Transitional Supports
Emergency Placements
Cold Weather Response
Housing First Initiative
Rough Sleeper Outreach