In 1972, Sr Colette Hickey of the Good Shepherd Sisters founded Edel House emergency accommodation for women and children in Cork city.

Today Good Shepherd Cork is a Registered Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee and has an independent board. Our mission is to empower vulnerable women and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and break the cycle of homelessness through generations.

After more than forty years of experience, our good work has extended from Emergency Accommodation to Residential Care for teenage girls, Long-term Supported Housing, Education & Development and Ongoing Support and Advocacy.

These services also offer education and further support to help women and teenage girls who have left home or school early to develop their skills and reach their full potential as individuals. Our Ongoing Support and Advocacy continues to bring help to vulnerable women in their own communities after they are re-housed.

Mission

Through trusting relationships we support women and children who are vulnerable to homelessness to live more empowered, fulfilled and self-sufficient lives. We work with women, children and families to achieve our mission.

Vision

Our vision is a society where every woman and child enjoys a secure, safe and dignified home in a supportive environment, respectful of their rights.

Values

Welcome

We welcome women of all backgrounds, ages and stages in life in a non-judgemental way.

Respect & Dignity

We acknowledge and respect the intrinsic dignity and value of each individual person, and promise trust, confidentiality and integrity in our conduct.

Ambition

We are ambitious for the women and children we serve: we aim for lasting positive change.

Accountability

We work to clear standards; we are transparent and answerable to our stakeholders; we are outcomes-focused and learn from each experience to improve our service.

Leadership

We look to lead and to give example in shaping a better future.

Social Justice

We believe in social justice and equality: we look to address the reasons for homelessness.

Collaboration & Partnership

We are open and responsive to the women and children we serve and to working with other agencies and organisations.

Heritage

Founded in Cork more than 40 years ago by Sr. Colette Hickey, a Good Shepherd Sister, we draw on a heritage of nearly 400 years of seeing and helping women and children who have been left behind, taking our name from the Good Shepherd of the Gospels.