Men Struggling With Addiction Left In Limbo As Charity 'Camino' Announces Closure Amid Rising Costs

Friday, 2 August 2024 10:35

By Martin Osborne

The news has left people waiting for a place at the facility "devastated".

A charity based in Cloncurry, just outside Enfield, that supports men struggling with addiction, is set to close its doors after 27 years of service.

Camino has provided holistic residential programmes at low cost and does not require urine samples, supporting hundreds of people since its inception in 1997.

Therese, a case manager at Camino, confirmed that the charity's closure is due to financial challenges.

Rising costs, including rent and other expenses, have made it impossible to continue operations.

Despite funding from public donations and residents' social welfare contributions, the increasing expenses have overwhelmed the organisation's budget.

The charity has relied heavily on both staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced addiction themselves and now help others in similar situations. However, without sufficient funding, Camino can no longer afford to maintain its rented facility.

The closure means that those expecting to enter the facility in August will need to seek help elsewhere.

This includes individuals like Mark, who was hoping to receive support from the charity.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Mark shared that he had been in a desperate situation and found hope in Camino's programme.

The news of the closure has left him and others devastated, with few alternative options available.

The charity also claimed that it faced challenges with local authorities, having been denied planning permission on the grounds that there was no need for a facility in the area.

Over 40 people have been seeking help from Camino weekly, highlighting a demand for such services.