Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) is teaming up with designer Orla Langan on a new campaign to help take veterans off the streets of Ireland.

In the face of the ongoing homelessness crisis, ONE is seeking to alleviate the burden for veterans in Ireland. Since it opened its first home in 1994, the charity has helped 1,000 veterans, providing accommodation and ongoing mental health support to aid their transition to civilian life.

At the moment, ONE has a network of 38 branches nationwide as well as 15 support centres while also providing board and lodging in four residential homes in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin, and Letterkenny. ONE is reliant on fundraisers and state assistance in order to continue providing safe spaces and assistance for homeless veterans. Given there are 11,542 people in homeless accommodation across Ireland with 5,655 still requiring accommodation in the capital further support is urgent.

With that in mind, they’ve teamed up with designer Orla Langan on a new fashion-led fundraising campaign called ‘Hope Couture’. It aims to raise public awareness and funds for homeless veterans in Ireland. Centered around a bespoke collection of camo streetwear, it’s inspired by laneways, alleyways and streets of Ireland with Luke Street, Royal Canal / Russell Street Bridge and Blessington Street Park and Phibsborough.

The pieces feature QR codes that provide the opportunity for anyone who sees them to donate directly via the ONE website. All funds raised through this campaign will help ONE meet the rising demand for safe housing for homeless veterans. 

‘Hope Couture’ intends to help ONE maintain its 38 branches, 15 veteran centres and 51 beds a night (57 upon completion of the Cork City home) and 18,615 beds annually.

Speaking on the campaign, designer Orla Langan says, “It was an absolute pleasure and a privilege to collaborate on the O.N.E. ‘Hope Couture’ project to support O.N.E. and to meet the three veterans featured in the film.

I really enjoyed designing and making the garments for the veterans with the QR code integrated into the camoflage print knowing it’s purpose and the critical part it plays in the campaign.

I got the opportunity to work with a talented and dedicated team. I am very proud of what we have achieved together.”

The campaign launches with a video directed and shot by Rosie Barrett that details the difficulties of returning to civilian life.

Watch the short film below:

To donate, Text VETERAN to 50300 to donate €4, visit onehopecouture.com or scan the QR code whenever you see it.

For more information, please visit www.one-veterans.org.

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