For over a decade, every Friday evening, Muslim Sisters of Éire has operated a weekly soup run outside the GPO on O’Connell Street in Dublin, serving over 500 people each week. However, the work for this vital initiative begins well before Friday, requiring a dedicated three-day preparation process to ensure we meet the needs of those we serve.

Starting on Wednesday, our team begins the meticulous work of collecting, organizing, and preparing the food and supplies. We sanitize equipment, sort donations, and ensure everything is ready for distribution. On Thursday evening, our drivers collect generous donations from grocery stores such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Dunnes Stores. Early Friday morning, our team organizes the donations into food for the soup run and family hampers for those in need. We then collect hot meals generously donated by local restaurants, including Darbar and Golden Olive Restaurant. The food is packed, organized, and transported to the soup run, where our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to serve our service users.

But the Muslim Sisters of Éire soup run is about more than just food. It’s about connection, dignity, and humanity. Many of our service users come not just for a meal, but for a compassionate ear and a moment of understanding. For people living on the streets, sometimes what’s needed most is to be seen and heard. Offering a cup of tea and a conversation can be as nourishing as the meals we serve.

Our soup run also provides essential non-food items. We distribute hygiene kits containing necessities such as toothpaste, hand wipes, sanitizer, socks, and underwear to help those sleeping rough maintain their health and dignity. Additionally, we offer period poverty packs to women, which include tampons, sanitary pads, and feminine hygiene wipes. Access to menstrual hygiene products is a basic need that many homeless women struggle to afford, and we are committed to addressing this critical issue.

Each Friday, our trained team of Garda-vetted volunteers, certified in HSE food safety and first aid, sets up five six-foot tables full of nourishing food, hot meals, and essentials for those in need. As a registered HSE soup run, we comply with all health and safety standards, ensuring that the food we provide is not only delicious but safe and nourishing.

Beyond food, our soup run serves as a point of outreach and advocacy. We engage with those in need, offering guidance and support in areas like homelessness, access to social services, and more. Our impact extends far beyond the meal served—it is a community effort to uplift and support some of the most vulnerable people in Dublin.

At our soup run, we provide a variety of nourishing food and drinks. These nourishing foods span over 5 six foot tables filled with items such as yogurts, fruit, protein bars, crisps and much more. Thanks to generous donations from restaurants, grocers, and volunteers, we serve a mix of hot meals, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. Alongside food, we offer hot tea, coffee, and other beverages, helping to keep our service users warm during the cold evenings. The food and drinks we provide are not just about survival but about bringing a sense of care and dignity to those who need it most.

Each week,we distribute over 500 hot meals that are donated from local restaurants like Darbar, Safco foods and Golden Olive generously donate fresh, hot meals, ensuring that our service users receive wholesome and nutritious food. These meals are more than just sustenance—they are a source of comfort for those living rough, providing both physical nourishment and emotional warmth. The availability of hot food, especially during colder months, is crucial for those living on the streets, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone who comes to our soup run receives a hearty meal.

In addition to hot meals, we also offer a range of confectionery and snacks, such as cakes, biscuits, and pastries. These treats are often a small but meaningful luxury for people who rarely get to enjoy them. We aim to provide a sense of normalcy and comfort through these small indulgences, reminding our service users that they deserve care and kindness.

For women experiencing homelessness, access to sanitary products is a major challenge. As part of our soup run, we distribute period poverty bags containing essential feminine hygiene products, including tampons, sanitary pads, wipes, and hand sanitizers. These packs ensure that women have access to the hygiene products they need to maintain their dignity and health. Period poverty disproportionately affects homeless women, and we are dedicated to addressing this critical issue.

Maintaining personal hygiene is another significant challenge for people living rough. Each week, we distribute hygiene kits that include essential items such as toothpaste, hand wipes, soap, sanitizer, socks, and underwear. These kits are vital for helping our service users stay clean, healthy, and dignified in difficult circumstances. By providing these items, we aim to prevent the health risks that often arise from poor hygiene conditions while also offering a sense of personal care.

For those facing the harsh conditions of street life, proper clothing and shelter can be lifesaving. Our soup run also distributes equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, ground mats, hats, gloves, scarves, and underwear to help protect individuals from the cold and the elements. These essential items offer a degree of comfort and safety for those without permanent shelter, helping them to stay warm and dry during Dublin’s unpredictable weather.

While food and supplies are critical, our soup run is also about human connection. Many of our service users come not just for a meal but for someone to talk to—someone who will listen and offer empathy. Our volunteers provide a compassionate ear and offer support for those facing difficult life circumstances. We believe that showing understanding and treating people with dignity is as important as any material support we provide. For many, that simple act of kindness makes all the difference.

In addition to providing immediate relief, we work with social workers and other professionals to offer homeless support services aimed at helping individuals transition out of homelessness. We collaborate with housing assistance programs like the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme to help people secure permanent accommodation. This includes helping families at risk of eviction find rented accommodation, guiding individuals through the application process, and advocating on their behalf to ensure they receive the support they need. We work tirelessly to connect our service users with the resources that can help them break the cycle of homelessness, offering hope and a path to a better future.

The Muslim Sisters of Éire soup run matters because it is a lifeline for those in Dublin who have nowhere else to turn. It is about more than just providing food—it is about offering hope, compassion, and real, practical support to the people who need it most. Through our efforts, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also empowering individuals to take the steps necessary to rebuild their lives. Our work has had a profound impact on the community, and with the continued support of our donors and volunteers, we will keep striving to make a difference for Dublin’s most vulnerable populations.

Support The Muslim Sisters of Éire soup run by donating now you can sponsor 10 meals for just €30.