Abdul Aziz reports on the Islamic Cultural Centre’s decision to help the homeless during Storm Emma
The religious headquarters is offering free accommodation and meals to anyone in need during the duration of Storm Emma
Due to severe snow storms across the East Coast of Ireland, the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland has opened its doors to the homeless.
The religious headquarters, based in Clonskeagh Dublin, which includes the biggest mosque in the country, has been offering accommodation to the homeless since 5pm on Tuesday February 27th. It intended to maintain the offer at least until Sunday March 4th.
It’s also providing the homeless with two free meals per day in its restaurant – the Golden Olive, located on its premises. Hot drinks are also available throughout the day for all those seeking shelter.
Summayah Kenna, the head of community welfare and the women’s section at the Islamic Centre of Ireland, says this is the second time the centre has opened its doors to those in need.
“The decision to open the centre to the homeless goes back to 2017 when hurricane Ophelia took place and very high winds were predicted,” she explains.
Ahead of Ophelia, a meeting of senior management at the centre was held at the mosque and they decided to open the events hall to people who were homeless for the duration of the storm.
“We got a lot of positive feedback from that experience,” she says. “Quite a few homeless people arrived at our doors. Some had heard about our policy from others. Others were referred to us through homeless organisations.
“When we heard of the recent predicted snow storm and very low temperatures we decided to do it again.”
Should the weather continue to be bad after Sunday March 4th, the centre will continue to offer shelter and food to the homeless.
“As Muslims, it’s our duty to care for our neighbours”
She says the Muslim religion teaches us to look after our fellow man.
“As Muslims, it’s our duty to care for our neighbours,” says Ms Kenna. “Whether they’re living in a home or on the street, they are still our neighbours and we must open our doors to them”.
The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland is located at 19 Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. It can be reached by bus route 11 from Dublin City Centre or the 17 route from Blackrock or Rialto.