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Famous faces take over Nama building for the homeless

A group of people, including some famous faces, took over a NAMA controlled building in Dublin’s city centre last night to turn it into housing for the homeless.

The Home Street Home group, made up of about 100 people came together last night to ensure that no homeless people would have to sleep on the streets.

According to TheJournal.ie, the group took over Apollo House on Tara Street, which was once occupied by the Department of Social Protection. The building was set to be demolished after it was vacated last year, with plans for it to be rebuilt as an office block.

The group of 100 people included some well-known faces including musicians Glen Hansard and Damien Dempsey, as well as actor John Connors.

Glen Hansard performs at Vicar Street

Support: Glen Hansard was amongst the group | VIPIRELAND.COM

The movement is also supported by musicians Hozier and Christy Moore, as well as director Jim Sheridan and actress Saoirse Ronan.

In a statement last night, the Irish Housing Network said that the building would, “provide safe and secure accommodation to the most vulnerable people in Irish society, those sleeping on our streets”.

“In response to government’s failure to address this crisis, this building has been opened as a last resort. This building has been opened to stop people dying on the streets, this building has been opened to save lives. It will offer people dignity and safety with private rooms, cooking and washing facilities,” the group said.

A Facebook Live video, posted by John Connors, followed the take over of the NAMA-controlled building, in which Damien Dempsey was seen singing a rendition of the Foggy Dew on the streets of Dublin.

The Irish Housing Network requested 12 hours of privacy following the occupation of the building last night, and said that they had taken over the building “to intervene in the housing crisis and save lives”.

“The action was taken as a response to the deaths on our streets. The action was taken to ensure dignity for people left vulnerable and unsupported by government.”

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