A local volunteer-led initiative founded by a Dungannon woman has announced the upcoming publication of a powerful new book of memoirs detailing the lived experiences of 10 individuals who experienced homelessness in rural Northern Ireland.
Diana’s Dream, homeless and community outreach group – founded eight years ago by Diana Safina – has compiled the firsthand accounts titled ‘Concrete Memoirs’ with the aim of shattering stereotypes by bringing to light the surging ‘hidden epidemic’ of homelessness affecting rural communities, including individuals who have been forced to live in cars, vans, farmers’ sheds, or unable to afford soaring rents despite holding down full-time jobs.
The outreach group provides support across the Dungannon and surrounding areas but “would never turn someone away purely because of logistics”.
They mainly provide food for those who are either homeless or struggling financially.
And, Diana says those who benefit from the support do not need to be solely on benefits or homeless to receive help.
She adds: “Many working families are struggling to just keep afloat financially at present especially with the rent and food hike rises which we are all affected by now.
“We also provide hygiene products so that everyone has the basic right to be and feel clean. Free advice is available regarding benefits and money management from local DHSS government teams, C.A.P (Christians Against Poverty) and our other volunteers.
“We are a stepping stone for those struggling and if it turns out that there is something that they need help with that is outside of our ability to help with, then we will refer them on to those within that specialised area.
“As we receive a lot of clothing donations we are also able to donate these items to the homeless and/or families. We would like to open a second hand store locally in the future as at present all donations are held at our homes before distribution.”
All proceeds from the self-published novel will also go towards helping to further this outreach work within the community.
Speaking to this, Diana said: “I do not want any money from the sale of the book, as God has given me the best gift of experience when working with those less fortunate.
“As an adult with a learning ‘difference’, I have found the project challenging to complete, but I would never give up on it, and I hope with my supporters help that I will finally have the fundraiser book published.”
The book offers a raw, bird’s-eye view into how easily an ordinary life can spiral “from cosy cushions to cruel concrete in the blink of an eye.”
It is entirely written by Diana, which she says as someone living with a “learning difference” was a “huge step”.
“There were a lot of times my confidence wavered whilst continuing to write the book to the end. The book is quite raw and real regarding the accounts of the individual homeless people’s lives,” she said.
“If there is the odd pop of laughable grammar in it then please treat it as exactly just that. If you want a book with excellent grammar, punctuation etc… then put the book back on the shelf and pick up another one… and yes, I did just say that!
“Although, if you want a thought provoking and heart softening book to read….then don’t just buy one, buy two and gift the other one to someone who would enjoy a real script about real people.
“Remember, one day it could be you, or your child or even a friend that finds themselves in the same position as one of the characters in this book. How I speak or write will not seem so important then when you or they are needing my help.”
Unlike urban homelessness, which is highly visible on city streets, rural homelessness in Northern Ireland frequently remains unseen, leaving vulnerable individuals isolated without adequate humanitarian support or public advocacy.
“We are within a massive homelessness epidemic right now within Northern Ireland,” says the project coordination team. “People are holding down jobs but are completely priced out by diabolical rent increases.
“They are surviving in sheds and vans. All we can do is pray and actively fight to ensure the fundamental humanitarian rights of these individuals are supported and protected. This book is their voice.”
To bring these vital stories to print via self-publishing, the creators are currently seeking urgent collaborations with volunteer professionals experienced in book marketing, publishing, formatting, and printing.
Members of the public, local businesses, and publishing experts who wish to volunteer and support the project or offer advice are highly encouraged to get in touch.
Currently, Diana’s Dream is hoping to raise approximately £7,000 via a CrowdFunding appeal to have the book published and to continue to provide for those most in need.
Added Diana of her overall ‘dream’: “I hope that people will learn that firstly there is help out there whether you are homeless or struggling in any way. I would love for people to not judge a homeless person’s circumstances.
“I’ve met a lot of gold collar job executives from various fields of employment that have ended up homeless because of job losses, divorces, parents dying, homes being sold or repossessed and also relationship breakdowns.
“Not everyone who is homeless is a criminal and some of those that are criminals now did not have a criminal record before homelessness.
“Some have even purposely broken the law just to be put in a station or prison cell in order to have a bed or safe haven for the night.
“The streets are extremely dangerous to be stuck on and with each year that they are on the streets the level of danger increases.”
You can make a contribution to Diana’s Dream fundraising appeal here.
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