Cork Simon Holds Inaugural Sleep Out at Historic Elizabeth Fort

Cork Simon's first ever Sleep Out took place on Friday at Elizabeth Fort, as participants braved the October chill to raise vital funds for the charity's emergency services supporting Cork's growing homeless population.

The inaugural Sleep Out for Cork Simon was organised at Elizabeth Fort, just off Barrack Street in the heart of Cork City, in response to the alarming increase in rough sleeping across the county. The charity invited the public to either participate at the historic fort or host their own Sleep Out events in their communities, schools, or workplaces.

The event comes as Cork faces an unprecedented homelessness crisis. A record 679 men and women were depending on emergency accommodation in Cork in August 2025, representing a staggering 24% increase in just twelve months. This figure is expected to rise further as winter approaches.

Dermot Kavanagh, CEO of Cork Simon, said:

"Homelessness has a devastating effect on people's health and wellbeing, no matter the time of year. It's especially difficult over the winter months. Homelessness is now impacting every community in Cork and beyond. We are very grateful to all the participants who are taking part in the Sleep Out for Cork Simon.

The money raised from the Sleep Out for Cork Simon will help us support a greater number of men and women in Cork who are homeless and surviving on the streets of Cork over the challenging winter months."

As temperatures drop and evenings grow colder, survival becomes a daily struggle for those sleeping rough in Cork. Cork Simon's Emergency Shelter, Outreach Team, Day Service, and Nightly Soup Run all provide lifesaving support to the city's homeless population.

All funds raised from the Sleep Out will be spent this winter, ensuring Cork Simon can help as many homeless people as possible during what is consistently the toughest time of year for rough sleeping.

The choice of Elizabeth Fort as the venue for Cork's first Sleep Out added historic significance to the fundraising effort, with participants spending the night within the walls of one of Cork's most recognisable landmarks whilst raising awareness of a very modern crisis.