Due to the current COVID-19 situation and to ensure everyone remains safe and practice social distancing under guidance from the Government and HSE, Hope Fest 2020 has gone "virtual"! On World Homeless Day, Saturday October 10, 2020, we will bring Hope Fest to 16 Dublin Simon Community services. You can donate to Dublin Simon Community (opens in a new window)here.

Hope Fest 2020

UCD, Dublin Lions Club and Dublin Simon Community are delighted that Hope Fest 2020 will take place for the third time, "virtually" , in 16 Dublin Simon Community services. Hope Fest 2020 will involve catering and treats provided and delivered to 14 Dublin Simon service centres with over 300 guests, care packages to be distributed to all guests including warm items of clothing for the winter season, a large 'Hope' poster, commissioned by a local artist, for guests to decorate throughout the day and live music streamed via YouTube or radio. Get involved by sending a message of hope on social media using #HopeFest2020. You can donate to Dublin Simon Community (opens in a new window)here.

Hope Fest 2019

Following on from the success of the first summer wellbeing event for people experiencing homelessness in 2017, UCD and the Dublin Lions Club, in association with Dublin Simon Community were delighted to organise this event again under the new name of Hope Fest, which took place on Saturday 18 May from 12:00 - 15:00, in the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 2. 

The event had a 'festival' feel, with catering provided by the Caterers, various musicians and a wellness area, where our guests availed of numerous services, such as haircuts, a chiropodist and yoga!

Background to Hope Fest

For the last 60+ years, the Dublin Lions Club have hosted an annual party for the homeless community in January, called Eric's Party. This event is a huge success each year, with 300 guests attending the party this year in the GPO. The Dublin Lions Club identified the need to have a similar event during the summer, and so the idea for Hope Fest was born. It would people experiencing homelessness with a hot meal, entertainment, wellness services and a welcomed break from the norm. UCD were delighted to assist the Dublin Lion's Club with this event.

The inaugural  took place on Saturday 26 May 2018, from 12:00 - 15:00 and was attended by over 130 guests from the homeless community.