Viva House, a women's refuge in Dublin 15, has won a national community housing award in the Homeless Services category of the Irish Council for Social Housing's (ICSH) Community Housing awards in Galway.

The awards showcase high-quality social housing projects that have been developed by housing associations and local authorities in the past two years.

Viva House provides crisis refuge accommodation, support and outreach to women affected by domestic violence. In development for 12 years, Viva House opened to the public in June 2010. The refuge combines high-tech safety features with a calm, ‘homely’ space. Viva House is part of Sonas Housing Association, which also provides longer-term supported housing to women and children affected by domestic violence.

-- Advertisement --

"We are delighted with this award," said Sharon Cosgrove, Sonas Housing CEO. "A huge amount of work went into the development of the project and this award is a great recognition to everyone who played a part in ensuring the refuge is built and fully operational."

Sonas Housing also received two other awards at the ICSH ceremony. The Belmayne supported housing project was successful in the collaboration category. This mixed-tenure project provides long-term housing with support and has been developed in co-operation with Cluid Housing Association and Hail Housing Association. Gearoidin Charlton, a retired Sonas board member, was also commended at the awards for her work on the organisation's board of management.

"It is great to get recognition and celebrate the achievements and hard work of our staff, board and supporters," said Cosgrove. "However we must also remember it is unfortunate that these types of services are needed at all – domestic violence unfortunately is still all too prevalent in Ireland and the existing level of service provision is unable to meet the demand. We need more refuges and longer-term housing projects for women in this situation. We hope to be able to provide more services with the same high building standards into the future."

The ICSH Community Housing awards are part of the Biennial National Social Housing Conference. The theme of this year’s event was 'Housing Ireland 2020’' highlighting the need for all stakeholders to work towards social housing solutions for the next decade.

(CD/BMcC)