25 Cork St, Dublin 8

“Our Law Centre works exclusively in the provision of legal advice and support to people who are experiencing or facing homelessness.  Our staff advocate for the legal rights of people faced with the fundamental deprivations of needing a home”.         (Edward Gleeson – Chairperson MLRC)

Mercy Law Resource Centre tackles the barriers facing people who are at the end of their tether, at the end of their resources, and even at the end of hope, when searching for a home.  In this work it has helped people who were living in their cars or tents, people who had disabilities or special needs, people whom society seemed to forget.  It focusses on defending and vindicating the rights of people who are often unable to defend themselves.

In their Annual Report for 2021, Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC) reports:

• Significant increase in queries relating to the refusal of access to emergency accommodation
• Nearing all-time record levels of homelessness
• Cases in 2021 were referred from families, minority groups, people from migrant backgrounds, travelling community
• Assistance provided to families who had been issued with notices of termination by approved Housing Boards.
• Training provided to individuals and organizations working with our client group
• Housing-law training provided in private sessions to representatives from a variety of organizations including law firms, housing and homeless charities and local authorities.
• A series of 4 free online legal training sessions called “Know your Housing Rights” designed and delivered
• Policy work focused on publicly highlighting the barriers facing vulnerable groups
• Befriending service offered which matches clients with trained befrienders

Mercy Law Resource Centre was set up by Mercy, South Central Province, in 2009.  It was planned as a ministry to people who had no financial means to access necessary legal help when being denied basic social needs.   The Centre receives thousands of calls annually and deals with more than 270 active cases in a year.  In a highly regulated environment, the work is complex, onerous and often distressing.  But, given the number of people enabled to find shelter, it has become a truly mercy ministry.  The retired archbishop of Dublin – Diarmuid Martin – described MLRC as a modern work of Catherine McAuley!

MLRC is an independent Company, a Charity and Registered Law Centre.  Sisters have worked on the staff and on the Board of Directors since the beginning.  The work can continue after us through the dedication of the Board and the commitment of the staff. As a Law Centre its legal work has to remain free from any external influence by its funders or others.

Financial Support – The Centre relies on generous donations and voluntary contributions for its existence.  It is part-funded by the South Central Province, the Archdiocese, Sisters of Christian Education, Mason Hayes & Curran and other generous organisations.  Pobal Community Fund (State) provided a very welcome grant this year.  The firm, Crowleys DFK, provide annual Auditing services pro bono, and nine Barristers give their time and skill pro bono.  Mercy Law rents three rooms at reduced rate in the Sophia premises in Cork St, Dublin

However, the Centre still has to find further funds to meet its annual shortfall.  Its modest costs involve overheads, administration and salaries – three solicitors and three part-time staff (secretary, finance and fund raising person).  The Charity Regulator requires that the service show it can meet its costs for at least two/three years in advance in order to protect its obligations to clients and staff.

Mercy and compassion to the most needy is the ethos and focus of the Centre; in a cruel world it is worthy of support.

Mercy Law is now a well-recognised leader in the field of housing policy and in achieving better outcomes for low-income families and individuals facing housing problems.  This year it received the prestigious award of best ‘Pro Bono Community Law Centre’ by the Law Centre of Ireland.

“I have been so lucky to have worked for MLRC, an amazing charity, with amazing people, amazing ethos, amazing outcomes”.   (Shauna Curran – MLRC Administrator 2013 – 2021)

 

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